New Zealand's prime minister says a travel bubble with the Cook Islands could be open by the end of the year.
Cabinet yesterday considered the draft of an agreement being worked on by both governments.
Jacinda Ardern says she hopes officials will be able to start work on the ground to prepare for quarantine-free travel within 10 days.
But - in a blow to countries like Fiji who have also called to be included in a bubble - Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand is only considering opening with the realm countries - the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau - for now.
Jacinda Ardern says she expects an update in the next two weeks on the timing of the bubble.
One of the most vocal proponents for a bubble has been Fletcher Melvin, the head of the Cook Islands Private Sector Taskforce and Chamber of Commerce.
He told me he's disappointed it could still take so long.
Rarotonga airport Photo: RNZI Walter Zweifel
