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),
Peter Mersi (MoT) from 3.30pm, Bridget White for Ashley Bloomfield (MoH), Steve Gilbert for
Ray Smith (MPI)
In attendance: s 9(2)(a) OIA
In attendance for items: Item 2 – s 9(2)(a) OIA
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.
Item 2: Health at the Border – Programme and Priority Actions
2. The papers were taken as read. s 9(2)(a) joined the meeting for this item. The Board
noted the purpose was to approve the
OIA Systems Improvement initiative Health at the
Border work programme and priority actions. Sally Giles led a discussion with the Board
noting it is future state; beyond COVID-19.
3. The Board raised and discussed the topics below.
•
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.
•
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.
•
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:
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
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
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
work programme, including timeframes.
Item 3: Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World Forum – 12 August 2021
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
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
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.
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)
In attendance: Fiona McKissock (BEB), s 9(2)(a) OIA (Secretariat)
In attendance for items: Items 2 s 9(2)(a) OIA
Apologies: Ashely Bloomfield until 4.33pm, Peter Mersi (MoT), Cheryl Barnes (DPMC)
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.
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
2. The papers were taken as read. s 9(2)(a) OIA
led a discussion with the Board regarding
the status of the Systems Improvements Programme and the impact of the Traveller Health
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
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 s 9(2)(g)(i) OIA
.
4. The Board supported inviting s 9(2)(a) OIA 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.
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
emerges.
Item 3: Traveller Health Declaration System
6. The papers were taken as read. s 9(2)(a) led a discussion with the Board on the status of
the Traveller Health Declaration Sys
OIA tem 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
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
ending 24 August 2021.
Item 4: Decision Papers
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.
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
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
Testing Phase 1 had been completed.
Decisions
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
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.
Item 5: Other Issues and Priorities
15.
COVID-19 Resurgence – the Board acknowledged the range of meetings underway relating
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;
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
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
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
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.
•
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
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
•
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
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
Mersi (MoT), Ray Smith from 3.50pm (MPI), Megan Main for Carolyn Tremain (MBIE)
In attendance: Fiona McKissock (BEB), s 9(2)(a) OIA
In attendance for items: Items 2 and 3 – s 9(2)(a) OIA
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.
Item 1: Welcome
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed the agenda.
Item 2: Chief Executives and Ports Meeting
2. The papers were taken as read. s 9(2)(a) OIA
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, Transport, 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;
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
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. s 9(2)(a) OIA
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 remaining
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
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
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
9. s 9(2)(a) OIA
provided a verbal update on the Reconnecting New Zealanders
programme with the Board discussing the following policy work underway.
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.
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
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
10.
Funding for Border Executive Board Secretariat – The Board noted funding for the
secretariat ceases 30 June 2022. It is proposed to seek funding of $2 million from the
COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund for 2022/23. Customs wil seek funding on
behalf of the Board as the vote administrator and servicing department. Ongoing funding
wil be determined as part of Ahumoni Hoahoa.
Decisions
11. The Border Executive Board:
11.1.
agreed Customs will seek $2 mil ion in funding for the Border Executive Board
secretariat function for 2022/23 from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery
Fund.
Item 6: Minutes and Action Items
12. The minutes from the 1 September 2021 meeting were confirmed to be an accurate
record.
13. The open action item BEB 46 was closed based on the update given in Item Four.
The meeting closed at 4.33pm
The next meeting is scheduled for 15 September 2021.
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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)
Attendees: Fiona McKissock (BEB), s 9(2)(a) OIA
(Secretariat)
Attendees for items: Item 2 – s 9(2)(a) OIA
(MoH)
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.
Item 1: Welcome
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed the agenda.
Item 2: Border Worker Vaccination Update
2. s 9(2)(a) OIA
provided a verbal update on implementation of the COVID-
19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021 (the Order) that
requires privately employed border workers to have had their first vaccination by 30
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:
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
expected to be resolved
• stevedore definition – working through with a focus on function rather than
title, although may require in future an amendment to the Order
• 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. The Board discussed the timing of resolving the issues identified and the risk to workers’
employment, noting the limited exemption criteria and that changes to the Order were
unlikely to be possible ahead of the 30 September 2021 deadline. The Board noted
advice was being prepared on how to manage the issues. The Board raised and
discussed how to have certainty that all workers are compliant with the Order and sought
clarity on who wil have responsibility for ensuring compliance.
5. The Board thanked the team for their work and the positive uptake in vaccination.
Decisions
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
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
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 Customs, 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.
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
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
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
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
The next meeting is scheduled for 22 September 2021.
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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)
Attendees: Fiona McKissock (BEB), s 9(2)(a) OIA
(Secretariat)
Attendees for items: Item 2 –s 9(2)(a) OIA
(MoH); Item 3 – s 9(2)(a) OIA
(Customs); Item 4 – s 9(2)(a) OIA (Customs), s 9(2)(a) OIA
(MoT);
Item 5 s 9(2)(a) OIA (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.
Item 1: Welcome
1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed the agenda.
Item 2: Border Worker Vaccination Update
2. s 9(2)(a) OIA
provided an update on progress 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
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
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
compliant. The Board acknowledged the potential challenges of confirming worker
vaccination on site, noting only the employing PCBU has access to employee
vaccination details and that not all border workers fall under the Order.
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
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
keeping connected to, industry.
9. The Board raised the expectation of cruise ships returning at some point, which wil need
a fit for purpose maritime response due to the high volume of passengers. It was noted
that this is something the Group is mindful of.
10. The Board requested that changes to commercial vessel settings avoid any date in the
Christmas/January period due to the challenges of implementation.
Decisions
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
September 2021
11.3.
noted the verbal update on actions to ensure the Maritime Border Order remains fit
for purpose.
s9(2)(b)(ii) OIA, s9(2)(j) OIA
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s9(2)(j) OIA
Item 5: Future Borders Sprint Update
14. The papers were taken as read. s 9(2)(a) OIA provided an update on the Future Borders
Sprint work that brings public and private sector representatives together to explore and
advise on future air travel operations.
15. The Board raised the need to manage expectations of the border sector’s capacity to
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:
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.
Item 6: Other Issues and Priorities
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.
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
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
IN CONFIDENCE
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