New Zealand has pushed back its phased border reopening plans.
It is postponed from mid-January until the end of February, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said, in response to Omicron infections globally and in Australia.
"There’s no doubt this is disappointing and will upset many holiday plans, but it’s important to set these changes out clearly today so they can have time to consider those plans," Hipkins said.
"All of the evidence so far points to Omicron being the most transmissible variant yet."
New Zealand will also increase the length of stay in quarantine facilities from one week to 10 days, as well as speed up its booster programme.
It is shortening the gap between second vaccine doses and boosters from six to four months.
This means more than 80% of vaccinated people would be eligible for a booster by February.
