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MINUTES
3pm – 4pm, Thursday, 22 July 2021
Held at the Customhouse, 1 Hinemoa Street, Harbour Quays, Wellington
Present: Christine Stevenson (Chair, NZ Customs), Maree Roberts (MoH) for Ashley Bloomfield (MoH),
Suzanne Stew (MBIE) for Carolyn Tremain (MBIE), David Taylor (MFAT) for Chris Seed (MFAT), Peter
Mersi (MoT), Karen Adair (MPI) for Ray Smith (MPI)
In attendance: Fiona McKissock (BEB), Sonia Mani (BEB), Clare Bugden (BEB), Catriona Robinson
(MBIE), Andy Milne (MBIE), Grier Cox (DPMC)
In attendance for items: Item 2 – Shelley Tucker (MoT), Morag Ingram (BEB)
Apologies: Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Carolyn Tremain (MBIE), Chris Seed (MFAT), Ray Smith (MPI),
Cheryl Barnes (DPMC)
Item 1: Welcome, apologies, meeting context
1. The Chair welcomed the BEB members and invitees to the meeting.
Item 2: Vaccination Order Amendment - Supply chain exemption criteria and process
2. MoT acknowledged the input from MoH, the Senior Officials Group, and BEB staff into preparing the
supply chain exemption criteria and process outlined in the paper. It was noted that this work should be
considered in the context of larger issues related to nation-wide economic exemptions and the need to
manage supply chain risks.
3. Members discussed the expected cumulative impact of requests for exemptions. It was noted that the
onus of making the case for exemptions rested with the PCBUs, and that group requests would still need
under the Official Information Act 1982
to be considered individually to ensure fairness.
4. Members discussed the proposed options for authorisation of exemptions, noting a preference towards
having a streamlined process that preserved the ability to consult MoH. Members sought clarity on the
requirement for the DG of Health to specifically authorise any exemption, noting that the panel includes
MoH.
5. The Board
agreed to the proposed type of evidence that will be sought from PCBUs – noting the desire
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to strike a balance between the intent of the Order and the need to manage supply chain risks.
6. The Board
agreed to the process, which seeks to ensure transparency and efficient and just
assessment of the applications.
7. The Board
agreed, upon
confirmation with the DG of Health (who was absent from the meeting), to
authorise the Chair of BEB to endorse the cross agency panel’s recommendation and forward to Hon
Chris Hipkins as Minister for COVID-19 Response.
8.
Action: Maree Roberts to confirm with DG Health, on his involvement in authorising exemptions.
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Item 3: Debrief of CEs hui on Safe and Smart Borders - Reconnecting NZers with the World
9. The Chair provided a brief update on the hui on ‘Safe and Smart Borders - Reconnecting NZers with the
World’ held on 13 July 2021, noting the attendance of around 35 CEs, industry leaders and government
officials.
10. The hui was held with the intent to set the context and start considering the options and parameters for
air operations once decisions have been made on opening borders and reconnecting NZers with the
world. The proposed next steps would be an agile, 8-week sprint process to determine potential options
and likely solutions.
11. MoH noted the DG of Health was keen to consider the end-to-end journey around reconnecting from a
public health viewpoint which includes consideration of the Delta variant of the COVID virus. 1982
Item 4: Travel Health Pass work programme resourcing
12. MoT noted delays in the progress of work related to the Travel Health Pass programme. Members
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discussed the complexity of the programme including resourcing, inter-dependencies, emerging global
technology platforms, operationalisation requirements, legislation, and privacy. Work is being undertaken
to determine the costs with the Board to receive updates.
Item 5: Other issues and priorities
13. s9(2)(f)(iv) OIA
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14. s9(2)(f)(iv) OIA
15. The Chair acknowledged Sonia Mani for her work handling the secretariat functions of the BEB (and
BSGG) during the past 12 months, and noted that Clare Bugden would be taking over the function starting
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next week.
Item 6: Minutes and action items
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16. The minutes from the meetings of 08 July 2021 were taken to be an accurate record.
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MINUTES
3pm – 4pm, Thursday, 29 July 2021
Held at MPI, Charles Fergusson Building, 34-38 Bowen Street, Wellington
Present: Christine Stevenson (Chair, NZ Customs), Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Andy Milne for Carolyn
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Tremain (MBIE), Chris Seed (MFAT), Peter Mersi (MoT), Michael Inglis for
Ray Smith (MPI)
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In attendance: Fiona McKissock (BEB), Cheryl Barnes (DPMC), Bridget White (MoH),
Clare Bugden (Secretariat)
In attendance for items: Items 1 to 4 – Ruth Fairhall and Megan Stratford (DPMC);
Item 4 – Mat Black (Customs)
Apologies: Ray Smith (MPI), Carolyn Tremain (MBIE)
Item 1: Welcome and Apologies
Information
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed the agenda.
Item 2: Australia Quarantine Free Travel (QFT) Suspension
2. Andy Milne provided the Board with an update on the QFT suspension with Australia and the implications
for managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The Board noted the focus for MBIE and MFAT were
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travellers from New South Wales due to MIQ capacity constraints.
3. The Board noted the approach with the Trans-Tasman travel window closing at 11.59pm, 30 July 2021.
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Registration of interest for travellers from New South Wales for contingency allocation opens from 10am,
30 July 2021 and closes at 2pm, 3 August 2021. The registration of interest process will inform
understanding of the scale of travellers to New Zealand. The Board noted there were no issues to report
with the preparation of the registration of interest process.
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4. The Board discussed the challenge of managing demand from countries other than Australia and
reintroducing Australia to the MIQ model. It also discussed Australia travel route capacity recognising the
impact of crew availability and the need to maintain the supply chain. The Board acknowledged that the
issue remains complex.
5. The Board noted there were no issues to report with how the border was operating. The Chair thanked
Andy Milne for his leadership, and his team at MIQ, along with other agencies that continued to support
QFT change.
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Item 3: Reconnecting New Zealanders
6. The papers were taken as read. Ruth Fairhall and Megan Stratford led a discussion with the Board on
the proposed approach to the August 2021 Cabinet paper relating to Reconnecting New Zealanders. The
Board noted the approach will be tested with the Ministerial Advisory Group.
7. s9(2)(f)(iv) OIA, s6(a) OIA
s6(a) OIA, s9(2)(g)(i) OIA
s9(2)(g)(i) OIA
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Decisions and Actions
8. The Board
noted the update on Reconnecting New Zealanders.
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9.
Action: Cheryl Barnes and Ruth Fairhalls9(2)(g)(i) OIA
Item 4: Travel Health Pass
10. Mat Black joined for this item and provided the Board with a verbal update on the Travel Health Pass
initiative. The Board noted the rapid movement with activity. The Travel Health Pass has been prioritised
as part of Reconnecting New Zealanders and the scope and design of the first release is being confirmed.
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11. The Board noted the Travel Health Pass requires significant investment and that the business case is
progressing. The Board advised that the business case needs to be clear on the level of confidence with
information, particularly financial.
12. The Board sought clarity on the ability to resource the Travel Health Pass initiative. It was noted that the
technology element looks resourced. The Border Executive Board DCE COVID-19 and Systems
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Improvements groups have been requested to consider the impact that the prioritisation of the Travel
Health Pass will have on other work streams and if they can identify policy, legal, and privacy resources,
which is expected to be a challenge.
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Item 5: BEB Revised Terms of Reference for Independent Reviews
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13. The papers were taken as read. The Board noted the purpose of the item was to confirm revised terms
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of reference for the COVID-19 Maritime Border Measures (Tranche 2), and the Border Worker Testing
and Vaccination (Phase 2) – Maritime and Aviation.
14. The Chair invited comment from members. The Board noted feedback from Health officials around
focussing on the public sector as well as the newer grouping of private sector Border Workers which will
be shared with the provider. The Board discussed the independent reviews and provided feedback on
having pragmatic recommendations for the border system.
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15. The Board noted DPMC will confirm with the Border Executive Board secretariat whether there are any
outstanding matters from past reviews for the COVID-19 Assurance Framework.
Decisions and Actions
16. The Board
agreed the revised terms of reference for the Review of COVID-19 Maritime Border Measures
(Tranche 2).
17. The Board
agreed the revised terms of reference for the Review of Border Worker Testing and
Vaccinations (phase 2) – Maritime and Aviation Borders.
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18. s9(2)(b)(ii) OIA
Item 6: Other Issues and Priorities
19. The Board discussed how to support government staff posted to work overseas including wellbeing, ability
to return to New Zealand at the end of their posting or at short-notice, and the impact on new postings.
The Board discussed the potential to utilise existing processes within MIQ.
20. The Board noted there were no new vessels of interest or issues to note with maritime quarantine.
Board Decisions and Actions
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21. Action: MBIE (MIQ) to confirm how existing processes can support government staff posted overseas.
Item 7: Minutes and Action Items
Act
22. The minutes from the 22 July 2021 meeting were confirmed to be an accurate record.
23. The open actions items were reviewed. The Board noted actions 25, 31 and 44 will be responded to at
the 5 August 2021 meeting. Action 45 was closed. The Director General of Health confirmed the Chair
may endorse recommendations for supply chain exemptions from the Vaccine Order being forwarded to
the Minister for COVID-19 for consideration.
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The meeting closed at 4.00pm. The next meeting is scheduled for 5 August 2021.
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MINUTES
3pm – 4pm, Thursday, 5 August 2021
Held at MPI, Charles Fergusson Building, 34-38 Bowen Street, Wellington
Present: Christine Stevenson (Chair, Customs), Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Megan Main for Carolyn Tremain (MBIE),
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David Taylor for Chris Seed (MFAT), Peter Mersi (MoT), Ray Smith (MPI)
In attendance: Clare Bugden (Secretariat)
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In attendance for items: Item 2 – Sharon May, Caroline De-Haast (Customs), Item 3 – Bridget White, Darryl
Carpenter (MoH)
Apologies: Chris Seed (MFAT), Carolyn Tremain (MBIE), Fiona McKissock, Sarah Holland (BEB), Cheryl Barnes
(DPMC)
Item 1: Welcome and Apologies
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, noted the apologies, and confirmed the agenda. The
Chair acknowledged Peter Mersi and Megan Main, as part of the awards team, for the positive
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feedback to the border worker finalist presentation for the Spirit of Service Awards.
Item 2: Ahumoni Hoahoa Update
2. The papers were taken as read. Sharon May and Caroline De-Hasst joined for this item to provide an
update on the Ahumoni Hoahoa initiative and seek agreement of the programme objectives.
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3. The Board noted the verbal update on activity underway. The Board noted the resource challenges and
supported inviting other public service agencies to participate in the system level initiative. The Board
the
recommended separating out the revenue agencies need to deliver core services from the revenue
generated from users. This will acknowledge the fixed costs of running a required minimum level of
service. The Board invited Ahumoni Hoahoa to give them feedback on any constraints with the Public
Finance Act 1989, noting an interdepartmental board is a new way of working.
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Decisions and Actions
4. The Border Executive Board:
a. endorsed the objectives and actions for the four identified themes: sustainability of the Border
Executive Board; financial sustainability; collective investments; cost recovery of border charges.
b. noted the work completed by the Ahumoni Hoahoa work stream to date.
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Item 3: Border Worker Testing Register – Monitoring and Assurance
5. The papers were taken as read. Bridget White and Darryl Carpenter joined for this item. The Board
clarified the purpose was to respond to three open actions and that no action was required.
6. The Board acknowledged the progress with saliva testing and the positive feedback from border workers
of a less invasive test becoming available. The Board raised the accuracy of reporting and how workers
over-due for testing were being following up. It noted employers are followed up actively to ensure testing
and reporting remains up-to-date.
7. The Board enquired if there were sectors of interest around testing levels and if any further support could
be given to PCBUs. It noted that the saliva testing roadshows were reinforcing the need for testing. The
Board shared their experience that 1:1 engagement with hesitant staff had a positive impact with
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vaccination uptake, although was resource intensive.
Decisions and Actions
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a.
noted the update on border workforce testing (open action point BEB 25)
b.
noted the update on the Border Workforce Compliance Team and Implementation Plan for all forms
of testing (open action point BEB 31)
c.
noted the final report on the Rapid Review of Border Worker Testing Phase 1 and that the
recommendations have either been completed, are near complete, or relate to ongoing BAU work
(open action point BEB 44)
d.
noted phase 2 of the Rapid Review of Border Working Testing will incorporate testing and
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vaccination
e.
agreed that the final report on the Rapid Review of Border Worker Testing Phase 1 will be
proactively released (via the BEB secretariat), accompanied by the action plan
f.
requested a report back on the two in progress Rapid Review of Border Worker Testing Phase 1
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recommendations, when they are completed: ref a) programme governance and assurance; ref e)
data governance model.
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Item 4: Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) Quarterly Update Q4 2020/21
8. The papers were taken as read. The Board noted the purpose was to consider the quarterly assurance
update for MIQ that followed the report being considered by the MIQ chief executive assurance group.
9. Megan Main led the item, outlining the key points of the report and the emerging risks. The Board noted
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the risk environment is dynamic and the report is a snapshot at a quarter end. The Board discussed the
new risks of: increasing MIQ capacity (infrastructure, people, and practices); the perception MIQ is failing
due to how it manages demand/bookings; and complacency post vaccination.
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10. The Board noted the outlier high risk rating for workforce which reflects the complexity and multiple
elements that are being managed. The Board noted MIQ will continue to conduct reviews to ensure
continuous improvement. The Board acknowledged MIQ’s response to the suspension of quarantine free
travel with Australia and travellers coming back to New Zealand.
Decisions and Actions
11. The Border Executive Board
noted the Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) Risk and Assurance
Quarterly Update Q4 2020/21.
Item 5: Border Executive Board 2020/21 Performance Report to 30 June 2021
12. The papers were taken as read. The Board noted the purpose was to consider the performance of the
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Border Executive Board for 2020/21, noting the appropriation performance will be reported as part of Vote
Customs Annual Report. The Board did not raise any issues with the report.
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Decisions and Actions
13. The Border Executive Board
a.
noted the 2020/21 performance report to 30 June 2021
b.
noted the upcoming activity for July to December 2021.
Item 6: Other Issues and Priorities
14. No matters were raised.
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Item 7: Minutes and Action Items
15. The minutes from the 29 July 2021 meeting were confirmed to be an accurate record.
16. The open actions items were reviewed. The Board noted actions BEB 25, BEB 31 and BEB 44 were
closed as part of agenda item three. Actions BEB 46 and BEB 47 were carried forward.
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The meeting closed at 4.07pm. The next meeting is scheduled for 12 August 2021.
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MINUTES
3pm – 4pm, Thursday, 12 August 2021
Held at MPI, Charles Fergusson Building, 34-38 Bowen Street, Wel ington
Present: Christine Stevenson (Chair, Customs), Carolyn Tremain (MBIE), Chris Seed (MFAT), 1982
Peter Mersi (MoT) from 3.30pm, Bridget White for Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Steve Gilbert for
Ray Smith (MPI)
In attendance: Sarah Holland for Fiona McKissock (BEB), Cheryl Barnes (DPMC), Clare Bugden
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(Secretariat)
In attendance for items: Item 2 – Sal y Giles (MoH)
Apologies: Ray Smith (MPI), Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Fiona McKissock (BEB)
Item 1: Welcome and Apologies
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, noted the apologies, and confirmed the
agenda. The Board noted the meeting commenced without a quorum.
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Item 2: Health at the Border – Programme and Priority Actions
2. The papers were taken as read. Sally Giles joined the meeting for this item. The Board
noted the purpose was to approve the Systems Improvement initiative Health at the
Border work programme and priority actions. Sally Giles led a discussion with the Board
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noting it is future state; beyond COVID-19.
3. The Board raised and discussed the topics below.
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•
Alignment with health reforms – noted the opportunity for the upcoming reforms to
strengthen Health at the Border. The Ministry of Health has a new leadership role for
the health reforms that is expected to consider how Health at the Border wil fit now
and in the longer term.
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•
Reference to infection, prevention and control (IPC) measures – noted it is implicit
that IPC is a health function and wil be considered in the programme deliverables.
•
Strengthening consideration of operational implications before decisions are made –
acknowledged COVID-19 work has been done at pace. The Board supported early
engagement with operational agencies continuing to ensure expectations can be met
and there is minimal disruption with implementation. Health is working with partner
agencies to ensure Health at the Border can be operationalised.
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•
Implications of maritime quarantine – noted Customs and Health are conducting
reviews of the recent four vessels that wil include clarifying the COVID-19 operating
framework. Noted a Health presence at ITOC wil improve efficiencies and
communications during a response. The Board supported standing up the Health
presence at ITOC as soon as practical, noting funding was stil to be confirmed.
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•
Rapid testing on arrival and departure – Health is considering the use of rapid testing.
The Board noted rapid testing would strengthen maritime risk mitigation. Health wil
advise the COVID-19 rapid testing pilot team to consider including maritime.
•
Consistent passenger experience with Australia – noted the opportunity for alignment
with risk and intelligence but different legislation leads to different operational
experiences e.g. pre-departure testing.
4. The Board had a quorum for decisions.
Decisions
5. The Border Executive Board:
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5.1.
noted Health at the Border Systems Improvements work stream has developed a
programme of work for a future border with a strengthened and enduring health
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presence
5.2.
agreed to
the Health at the Border proposed work programme
5.3.
agreed to
the three priority actions identified on the
Health at the Border proposed
work programme
i. health is permanently represented at the Integrated Targeting Operations
Centre (ITOC) based in the Auckland Customhouse
ii. develop options for the range and delivery of health functions at the border
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iii. review and update the Ministry of Health publication Responding to Public
Health Threats of International Concern
5.4.
noted agency officials will further progress the implementation of these actions
including finalising terms of reference and project plans
5.5.
invited a report back on progress in approximately eight weeks with a more detailed
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work programme, including timeframes.
Item 3: Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World Forum – 12 August 2021
the
6. The Board discussed the Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World Forum, hosted by
the Prime Minister on 12 August 2021 where the framework for re-opening our borders
was unveiled. Key points for the Board included vaccinations being available for all New
Zealanders from 1 September 2021 and a phased approach to opening the borders, with
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a self-isolation pilot in 2021.
7. The Board supported DPMC taking the opportunity to regularly and proactively share
vaccination uptake statistics to give the business community a sense of progress.
Item 4: Other Issues and Priorities
8.
Self-isolation pilot October to December 2021 – the Board discussed resourcing the
pilot. It was noted DPMC has been identified as the policy and governance lead, with
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confirmation pending of which agency wil operationalise the pilot.
9. The Board discussed ways to manage workforce capacity constraints (and the wellbeing
of people) as new activity is drawing on the same group of people.
10.
Change of meeting day – the Chair advised the meeting day wil be changing to support
attendance. New invitations wil be sent out.
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Item 5: Minutes and Action Items
11. The minutes from the 5 August 2021 meeting were confirmed to be an accurate record.
12. The open actions items were reviewed.
• Action BEB 46: scheduled to be discussed at 26 August 2021 meeting
• Action BEB 47: closed. MIQ existing processes can be utilised for government staf
posted overseas. Agencies to contact MIQ for assistance.
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The meeting closed at 4.11pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for 26 August 2021.
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MINUTES
4pm – 5pm, Wednesday 1 September 2021
Held online via MS Teams
Present: Christine Stevenson (Chair, Customs), Carolyn Tremain (MBIE), Chris Seed from 4.15pm
(MFAT), Ray Smith (MPI), Maria Cotter for Ashley Bloomfield until 4.33pm then Ashley Bloomfield (MoH)
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In attendance: Fiona McKissock (BEB), Clare Bugden (Secretariat)
In attendance for items: Items 2 Jamie Bamford and Mat Black (Customs), Item 3 Mat Black (Customs)
Apologies: Ashely Bloomfield until 4.33pm, Peter Mersi (MoT), Cheryl Barnes (DPMC) Act
COVID-19 Alert Level Status
Regions south of Auckland are at
Alert Level 3.
The Alert Level settings wil be reviewed on
6 September 2021.
Auckland and Northland are at
Alert Level 4.
Auckland wil be reviewed on 13 September 2021.
It is expected that Northland will drop to
Alert Level 3 at 11.59am on 2 September 2021.
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Item 1: Welcome
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed the agenda. The Board noted
the meeting was being held online due to COVID-19 Alert Level 4 and 3 being in place.
Item 2: Systems Improvements Programme update
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2. The papers were taken as read. Jamie Bamford led a discussion with the Board regarding
the status of the Systems Improvements Programme and the impact of the Traveller Health
the
Declaration System initiative. The Board were advised that there are a range of
opportunities and challenges from the Reconnecting New Zealanders programme.
3. The Board discussed the challenging environment, acknowledging the high volume of work
underway across the public service, the interconnectedness of initiatives, the difficulty of
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initiatives being of similar priority, and workforce capacity constraints. The Board noted
several of the Systems Improvements initiatives wil form part of the Traveller Health
Declaration System deliverables, while some are expected to continue (indicated green in
the project status report).
4. The Board supported inviting Rob Huddart to some meetings to maintain the link between
the Border Executive Board and the Reconnecting New Zealanders programme, noting
other meetings are maintaining a border connection.
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Decisions
5. The Border Executive Board:
5.1.
noted the impacts of the Traveller Health Declaration System, Reconnecting New
Zealanders and its associated Future Border sprint upon the Systems Improvements
Programme
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5.2.
agreed that the majority of the Systems Improvements Programme effort be
transferred into supporting the delivery of the Traveller Health Declaration System
work, Reconnecting New Zealanders and its associated Future Border sprint work and
other priority responses to the COVID resurgence
5.3.
noted the opportunities that the Traveller Health Declaration System work,
Reconnecting New Zealanders and its associated Future Border sprint work offer the
overall Systems Improvements Programme
5.4.
noted that some Systems Improvements work can stil be progressed as it is not
impacted by this priority work although this may be subject to change
5.5.
noted the Cabinet report due at the end of the 2021 remains on track
5.6.
requested clarity on the impact to specific Systems Improvement initiatives, as it 1982
emerges.
Item 3: Traveller Health Declaration System
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6. The papers were taken as read. Mat Black led a discussion with the Board on the status of
the Traveller Health Declaration System initiative. The Board noted work is progressing and
most project leadership roles have been appointed. There is a capacity constraint with the
Programme Manager role under recruitment.
7. The Board raised the connection with the Future Border sprint work, noting the projects are
communicating with each other to clarify how work wil be delivered, and through which
work-stream. The Board acknowledged again the interconnectedness of this initiative with
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other work, capacity constraints across the system, and the challenge of initiatives having
similar priority.
Decisions
8. The Border Executive Board:
8.1.
noted the status report for the Traveller Health Declarations System for the period
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ending 24 August 2021.
Item 4: Decision Papers
the
Border Executive Board Annual Report 2020/21 – Performance Story
9. The papers were taken as read. The Board noted the purpose was to approve the Annual
Report 2020/21 performance story, which is required under the Public Finance Act 1989.
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Decisions
10. The Border Executive Board:
10.1.
approved the Border Executive Board Annual Report 2020/21 performance story,
with minor editorial changes to be incorporated
10.2.
agreed that the Chair may finalise the Border Executive Board Annual Report
2020/21 for publication, noting Board members wil be consulted on any substantive
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content changes.
Statement of Intent – Border Executive Board Standard Text for Agencies
11. The paper was taken as read. The Board noted the purpose was to endorse generic text
about the Border Executive Board for inclusion in border agencies Statement of Intent
documents.
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Decisions
12. The Border Executive Board:
12.1.
endorsed the standard text being shared with border sector agencies for inclusion in
their Statement of Intent (Appendix 1), with a minor editorial change
12.2.
noted agencies retain the right to amend the text for their Statement of Intent.
Rapid Review Border Worker Testing Phase 1 – Report Back on Last Two Actions
13. The papers were taken as read. The Board noted the item responded to the request to
receive confirmation that the last two actions from the Rapid Review of Border Worker 1982
Testing Phase 1 had been completed.
Decisions
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14. The Border Executive Board:
14.1.
noted that all the recommendations from the Rapid Review of Border Worker Testing
Phase 1 have now been completed
14.2.
approved the Terms of Reference for the Border Workforce Senior Officials Group
with the following feedback to be incorporated
• widen the membership of the Group to include private sector representation such
as airport, sea-port, airline, freight
• schedule the review of the TOR with the Board in 2021
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14.3.
requested an update on how the Border Workforce Senior Officials Group wil connect
with the Board, particularly around meeting the TOR activity to provide assurance to
the Board on whether the implementation of the Required Testing Orders is achieving
the desired effects, including reporting on compliance.
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Item 5: Other Issues and Priorities
15.
COVID-19 Resurgence – the Board acknowledged the range of meetings underway relating
the
to the resurgence and that the Border was represented at the regular National Response
Leadership Team meetings.
16. The Board discussed the response activity, acknowledging the impact and practicality of
having an ongoing resurgence capacity and an enduring health presence at the border;
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particularly workforce capacity. The discussion wil be revisited post resurgence and include
exploring what could be learnt from how the Ministry for Primary Industries prepares and
responds to outbreaks.
17.
Quorum – the Board agreed the quorum for a Board meeting wil be three substantive
members. A substantive member holds formal delegations as a chief executive.
Item 6: Minutes and Action Items
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18. The minutes from the 12 August 2021 meeting were confirmed to be an accurate record.
The meeting closed at 5.00pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for 8 September 2021.
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Appendix 1: Standard Text for Border Agency Statement of
Intent Documents – Customs Example
_________________________________________________
Border Executive Board
The Border Executive Board started in January 2021 to provide effective governance of
the New Zealand border by ensuring there are no gaps in the end-to-end border
processes for people, goods and craft. It builds on the long history of successful
collaboration amongst border agencies, and is the first inter-departmental executive 1982
board to be established under the Public Service Act 2020.
The Board is made up of the Chief
• Ensuring any gaps or
future risks from
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Executives of the New Zealand Customs
people, goods and craft at the border wil
Service, Ministry for Primary Industries, and
be addressed, where the risks are not
the Ministries of Business, Innovation and
already being managed by an existing
Employment, Transport, Health and Foreign
agency or another government process.
Af airs and Trade. It is chaired by the
Comptroller of Customs and reports to the
• Managing the significant and pressing
Minister for COVID-19 Response.
fiscal challenges that the sector is
facing as a result of decreased revenues
The Border Executive Board is supported by
from cost-recovery activities through the
a small secretariat and has four primary
accountabilities:
COVID-19 pandemic.
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•
Strategic border system
Customs’ Role
improvements, including developing a
Customs is the servicing agency for the
Border Sector Strategy, monitoring
Border Executive Board. It is responsible for
performance and user experiences
hosting the secretariat for the Board and
across the system, advising on
providing administrative and corporate
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investment decisions for the border
support.
As a member agency, Customs also leads
system, and delivering joint initiatives to
several work streams supporting system
build a safer and smarter border
stewardship and systems improvements
the
•
Ensuring there are no gaps in the end-
outcomes alongside our legislative functions
to-end border processes to integrate
and services.
Note: this is the part each agency would
health risk management, supporting a
write to reflect their contribution to the
robust COVID-19 response while
BEB
under
preparing to reopen the borders.
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MINUTES
3.30pm – 4.30pm, Wednesday 8 September 2021
Held online via MS Teams
Present: Christine Stevenson (Chair, Customs), Chris Seed (MFAT), Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Peter
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Mersi (MoT), Ray Smith from 3.50pm (MPI), Megan Main for Carolyn Tremain (MBIE)
In attendance: Fiona McKissock (BEB), Cheryl Barnes (DPMC), Clare Bugden (Secretariat)
In attendance for items: Items 2 and 3 – Kirstie Hewlett (Maritime New Zealand), Harriet Shelton
Act
(MoT), Robby Smith (Customs)
Apologies: Carolyn Tremain (MBIE)
COVID-19 Alert Level Status
Auckland is at
Alert Level 4.
The rest of the country is at
Alert Level 2. The Alert Level
settings wil be reviewed on 13 September 2021.
Information
Item 1: Welcome
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed the agenda.
Item 2: Chief Executives and Ports Meeting
Official
2. The papers were taken as read. Kirstie Hewlett led a discussion with the Board to
prepare for the Chief Executive level meeting with Ports on 9 September 2021. The
Chief Executives of Customs, Trans
the port, and Health are participants.
3. The meeting is designed discuss a range of issues raised by the Ports and to work out a
way to solve some of these with the sector. It was noted that the meeting is not intended
to resolve all the issues raised. The issues expected to be raised are: PPE for mariner
pilots; procedures for dealing with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection on a ship;
under
measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission on ships and ports; and communication
and engagement between agencies and the sector.
Decisions
4. The Border Executive Board:
4.1.
noted the briefing
Issues Relating to Port Operations September 2021, that
supports the 9 September 2021 meeting between government and industry Chief
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Executive, and union leaders.
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Item 3: Reviews of the August 2021 Rio De La Plata Tauranga Marina Case
5. The papers were taken as read. Robby Smith led a discussion with the Board on the
reviews completed by Customs and the Ministry of Health into the Rio De La Plata
August 2021 Marina Case. The Board noted reviews into other vessels that have
required a response since July 2021 wil be conducted.
6. The Board shared their observations of the incident and the reviews. It noted that while
there are opportunities for improvements, throughout all four maritime cases there was
no transmission of COVID-19 to the community.
7. The Board supported a joint Ministry of Health and Customs approach to the remaining1982
review of vessels and requested involving the Ports to hear their experiences and
potential solutions. The Board supported the desire to get ahead of potential issues by
Act
sharing information and intelligence across agencies and Ports.
Decisions
8. The Border Executive Board:
8.1.
noted the reviews into the Rio De La Plata completed by the Ministry of Health
and the New Zealand Customs Service
8.2.
endorsed the findings and recommendations of the reviews into the Rio De La
Plata completed by the Ministry of Health and the New Zealand Customs Service
Information
8.3.
noted the Ministry of Health review recommendations wil be tracked as part of the
agreed agency processes regarding internal reviews with the Minister’s Office
8.4.
invited Customs Maritime and the Ministry of Health to present to the Board on
the findings of the remaining reviews, that included input from Ports.
Item 4: Reconnecting New Zealanders
Official
9. Cheryl Barnes provided a verbal update on the Reconnecting New Zealanders
programme with the Board discussing the following policy work underway.
the
9.1.
Suspension of trans-Tasman quarantine free travel – advice is being tendered to
Ministers on continuing the suspension, with a further review in November 2021.
The Board raised the impact on flights, travellers and managed isolation bookings,
suggesting seeking a Cabinet decision as early as practical.
under
9.2.
Self-isolation pilot – work continues to develop policy settings with the intention to
start a pilot mid-to-late October 2021 with approximately 150 people. MBIE wil
pick up the lead at this point, and oversee implementation. The Board
recommended the Future Border Sprint work feed into this pilot as it is also
considering isolation options.
9.3.
Vaccination of non-citizen arrivals in New Zealand – the Board were advised of
upcoming advice relating to implementing by 1 November 2021 the requirement
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that non-New Zealand citizens travelling to New Zealand be vaccinated. The
Board discussed the proposal and the challenges with implementation, noting the
numbers of people involved were stil being identified.
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The Board supported continuing to provide free and frank advice that highlighted
the implications of implementation and what activity wil need to stop or slow down
as a consequence. There is an opportunity to discuss the issues at Officials’
meetings.
Item 5: Other Issues and Priorities
s9(2)(f)(iv) OIA
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Act
Item 6: Minutes and Action Items
12. The minutes from the 1 September 2021 meeting were confirmed to be an accurate
record.
Information
13. The open action item BEB 46 was closed based on the update given in Item Four.
The meeting closed at 4.33pm
Official
The next meeting is scheduled for 15 September 2021.
the
under
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IN CONFIDENCE
MINUTES
12.30pm – 1.30pm, Wednesday 15 September 2021
Held online via MS Teams
Members: Christine Stevenson (Chair, Customs), Chris Seed (MFAT), Peter Mersi (MoT),
Ray Smith (MPI), Shona Meyrick for Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Carolyn Tremain from 1.05pm (MBIE)
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Attendees: Fiona McKissock (BEB), Clare Bugden (Secretariat)
Attendees for items: Item 2 – Morag Ingram (BEB), Priti Patel (MoH)
Act
Apologies: Carolyn Tremain until 1.05pm (MBIE), Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Cheryl Barnes (DPMC)
COVID-19 Alert Level Status
Auckland is at
Alert Level 4.
The rest of the country is at
Alert Level 2. The Alert Level
settings wil be reviewed on 20 September 2021.
Information
Item 1: Welcome
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed the agenda.
Item 2: Border Worker Vaccination Update
2. Morag Ingram and Priti Patel provided a verbal update on implementation of the COVID-
Official
19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021 (the Order) that
requires privately employed border workers to have had their first vaccination by 30
the
September 2021. New government and private border workers covered by the Order
must have their first vaccination before starting work.
3. The Board noted the positive uptake of vaccinations by privately employed border
workers. The Board were advised of and discussed the following issues and mitigations:
under
3.1. the interpretation and application of specific terms referred to in the Order itself,
and the associated guidance document
• layover definition and if it involves an overnight stay – advice is being worked
through
• mooring lines as an affected item – updated draft worked through with the
sector and expected to be resolved
• maritime pilot definition – updated draft worked through with the sector and
Released expected to be resolved
• stevedore definition – working through with a focus on function rather than
title, s9(2)(g)(i) OIA
• vaccination used – working through the impact of workers who have received
another brand of vaccine that was not Pfizer. Advice is being developed.
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3.2. vaccine hesitancy, either associated with the Pfizer vaccine specifically, or
vaccination in general
3.3. monitoring and the associated limitations of the border worker testing register
system and data.
4. s9(2)(f)(iv) OIA
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5. The Board thanked the team for their work and the positive uptake in vaccination.
Decisions
Act
6. The Border Executive Board:
6.1.
requested the update to the Board on 22 September 2021 on the COVID-19
Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021 (the Order)
include:
6.1.1. confirmation of who is responsible for compliance and who wil conduct on-
site checks
6.1.2. the potential to obtain written assurance of compliance from PBCUs
Information
6.1.3. an update on advice to manage risks between 1 October 2021 and further
possible changes to the Order.
Item 3: Debrief of Chief Executive and Ports Meeting held 9 September 2021
Carolyn Tremain joined the meeting during this item
Official
7. Peter Mersi led a debrief on the Chief Executives and Ports meeting held on
9 September 2021 that included port company chief executives and maritime union
leaders. The Chief Executives’ of Cus
the toms, Health, and Transport attended. The Board
were advised of the progress made on the issues raised relating to: protective equipment
for mariner pilots; vessels with (or potential to have) COVID-19 infections; risk of
transmission of COVID-19 off a vessel; testing of international crews; and collective
intelligence. under
8. The Board discussed the coastal shipping sector and the matters impacting business.
The Board invited Transport to keep it updated on developments relating to coastal
shipping, noting agencies had previously considered this subject.
Item 4: Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Amendment Bil
9. The papers were taken as read. Ray Smith advised the Board of the upcoming
engagement with border agencies regarding the Biosecurity (Information for Incoming
Released
Passengers) Amendment Bil that is before the Select Commit ee. The Board supported
the main change relating to the requirement for airlines to play a bio-security video to
passengers.
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Decisions
10. The Border Executive Board:
10.1.
noted the Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Amendment Bil is
before the Select Committee
10.2.
noted the Minister for Biosecurity has agreed that MPI wil advise the Commit ee
10.3.
noted MPI officials will consult BEB agencies as they draft the Departmental
report during September 2021.
Item 5: Other Issues and Priorities
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11.
COVID-19 Resurgence – the Board had a discussion on developments relating to the
resurgence of COVID-19, vaccinations, testing, mitigations for further outbreak, and the
implications of the timing of the decision relating to the trans-Tasman quarantine-free
Act
travel pause.
Item 6: Minutes
12. The minutes from the 8 September 2021 meeting were confirmed to be an accurate
record. There were no open actions to review.
The meeting closed at 1.30pm
Information
The next meeting is scheduled for 22 September 2021.
Official
the
under
Released
2021-09-15 Minutes
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IN CONFIDENCE
MINUTES
8.00am – 9.00am, Wednesday 22 September 2021
Held online via MS Teams
Members: Christine Stevenson (Chair, Customs), Peter Mersi (MoT), Carolyn Tremain (MBIE),
Bridget White for Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Andrew McConnel for Ray Smith (MPI)
1982
Attendees: Fiona McKissock (BEB), Clare Bugden (Secretariat)
Attendees for items: Item 2 – Morag Ingram (BEB), Priti Patel (MoH); Item 3 – Richard Bargh,
Kathryn MacIver (Customs); Item 4 – Terry Brown (Customs), Natasha Rave (MoT);
Act
Item 5 Terry Brown (Customs)
Apologies: Ray Smith (MPI), Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Chris Seed (MFAT), Cheryl Barnes (DPMC)
COVID-19 Alert Level Status
Auckland is at Alert Level 3. The rest of the country is at Alert Level 2. The Alert Level
settings wil be reviewed on 4 October 2021.
Information
Item 1: Welcome
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed the agenda.
Item 2: Border Worker Vaccination Update
2. Morag Ingram and Priti Patel provided an update on pr
Official ogress with vaccination of border
workers under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order
2021 (the Order). Privately employed border workers covered by the Order must have
the
their first vaccination by 30 September 2021. Government border workers covered by
the Order must have their second dose by 30 September 2021.
3. The Board were advised that the uptake in vaccination rates continues to be high with
98% of government and 96% of privately employed border workers, covered by the
under
Order, reported as having their first vaccination. Data interrogation is underway to
confirm the vaccination status of the remaining small percentage of border workers who
show as unvaccinated. The Board noted the guidance document has resolved issues as
much as possible.
4. In regards to compliance, the Board was advised that the Ministry of Health sets the
framework and monitors compliance with the Order, WorkSafe is the enforcement
agency on behalf of Health, and PCBUs are responsible for ensuring their workforce is
Released
compliant. s9(2)(f)(iv) OIA
5. The Board supported the existing framework and the approach of continuing to inform
PCBUs on the timeframes for exemptions and the implications of non-compliance.
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6. The Board raised the potential impact on supply chains if staff are stood down for non-
compliance. The Board noted the advice provided to the Minister for COVID-19 on
alternative vaccines for border workers. The Board reiterated its comments to provide
employers with as much certainty as possible and as quickly as possible, to inform
employment decisions.
Item 3: Maritime Border Order Update
7. The papers were taken as read. Richard Bargh and Kathryn MacIver provided an update
on the activity underway to ensure the maritime border remains fit for purpose.
8. The Board noted the Maritime Border Senior Officials’ Group (the Group) has been 1982
established. This will help with coordination across agencies and policy and operational
functions, connection with other programmes of work, and take a short and longer term
view of matters influencing the maritime border. The Board endorsed working with, and
Act
keeping connected to, industry.
9. s9(2)(f)(iv) OIA
10. s9(2)(f)(iv) OIA, s9(2)(g)(i) OIA
Decisions
Information
11. The Border Executive Board:
11.1.
noted the 21 August 2021 briefing COVID-19 Maritime Settings for Commercial
Vessels
11.2.
noted the key noted from the Maritime Border Senior Officials’ Group meeting 3
Official
September 2021
11.3.
noted the verbal update on actions to ensure the Maritime Border Order remains fit
for purpose.
the
s9(2)(b)(ii) OIA, s9(2)(j) OIA
under
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s9(2)(j) OIA
Item 5: Future Borders Sprint Update
14. The papers were taken as read. Terry Brown provided an update on the Future Borders
Sprint work that brings public and private sector representatives together to explore and
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advise on future air travel operations.
15. The Board raised the need to manage expectations of the border sector’s capacity to
Act
participate in multiple trials in 2021 and to be mindful that trials to not always go straight
to implementation, due to what is learnt from the process. The Board noted the positive
progress with Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) self-isolation trials, with support
from Health. The Board endorsed the importance of a joined up approach and
acknowledged that scalability wil also be influenced by risk tolerance and the authorising
environment.
Decisions
16. The Border Executive Board:
Information
16.1.
noted the presentation on the Future Borders Sprint project
16.2.
noted the design of an appropriate governance structure to guide the management
of the operational trials
16.3.
noted that a further update on progress and design of the framework for
operational trials wil be provided in October 2021.
Official
Item 6: Other Issues and Priorities
the
Proposed approach to COVID-19 vaccines that New Zealand recognises for work at
the border
17. The item was not considered. The impact of alternative vaccines was discussed as part
of Item 2.
under
Other Items Raised
18.
Establishing new interdepartmental executive boards – The Board noted the
potential to establish new boards and invited a further discussion on the operating
frameworks, particularly those relating to financial and employment responsibilities.
Item 7: Minutes
Released
19. The minutes from the 15 September 2021 meeting were confirmed to be an accurate
record. There were no open actions to review
The meeting closed at 9.00am
The next meeting is scheduled for 29 September 2021
2021-09-22 Minutes
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