Compulsory vaccines for port workers, Kiwis stuck in NSW

It will be compulsory for port and airport workers to be vaccinated from Thursday, as the government seeks to sure-up its Covid-19 defences. Currently, the mandatory vaccination rule applies to workers at managed isolation and quarantine facilities, and front-line airport and sea port workers. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced yesterday who else will be required to be vaccinated. Around 83 percent of active border workers are now fully vaccinated, with three percent awaiting their second dose. But just 54 percent of active port workers are fully vaccinated. Ms Ardern put this down to slower vaccination rates for privately-employed workers. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister would not be drawn on when quarantine-free travel might resume with New South Wales, as the state battles a major outbreak. For New Zealanders stuck in Sydney or elsewhere in New South Wales, it's extremely frustrating. One man, who only wanted to use his first name, Paul, told our producer Matthew Theunissen yesterday that what was meant to be a 3 day business trip could end up taking well over a month.