This week has seen big, albeit expected, changes announced in New Zealand’s approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic: 

• Schools have reopened for Years 1-10.
• On 29 November, Cabinet will confirm the decision to move the whole country to a Traffic Light system soon after 29 November, with Auckland and regions with lower vaccination rates going into the highest setting; Red. Everywhere else will move to Orange at the same time.
• Auckland's border will reopen on 15 December for fully vaccinated travellers or those who test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure. The new rules will apply until 17 January. Police will be making spot-checks and fining rule-breakers $1,000.
• Proof of vaccination or testing will be required on Interislander ferries and on flights.
• Those who are fully vaccinated can now request a vaccination pass, called My Vaccine Pass. This pass will be required to enter hospitality venue, and access community, sport, and faith-based gatherings. 

CHASNZ is currently working with industry and Government to define appropriate protocols for building and construction activity under the new Traffic Light system. These are expected to be available before there is any change to the current alert level system. 

The new Traffic Light system protocols will rely heavily on vaccinations as a key control, and this will enable a relaxation of some previous controls that restricted work and travel for work. CHASNZ is also working with the Construction Sector Accord and Government to ensure that vaccination as a key control, can be simply implemented across the construction and building sector.