We want to ensure that New Zealanders aren't unnecessarily barred from travelling to New Zealand when there is no risk of COVID-19, but we do need to keep monitoring the situation closely. Cabinet carefully weighed up the evidence this morning and we consider a partial lifting of the pause to be a proportionate action when that's also bolstered by the introduction of mandatory pre-departure testing. Today's decision gives airlines, passengers, Government officials, and others time to prepare for flights back from those states that we consider to be low risk when that travel pause lifts. 