Recorded 1 July 2020, University of Auckland.
As Aotearoa New Zealand began to control its COVID-19 cases, calls began to grow for the creation of a Pacific—and Trans-Tasman—travel bubble. The general concept would see tourism and other travel to resume between Pacific countries with the aim of supporting economic activity and saving jobs. Recent events have called the safe creation of these bubbles into question. Yet many leaders throughout the Pacific remain optimistic that such bubbles might be created to facilitate tourism and trade until a vaccine can be created and is widely available. Experts on public health and commerce will join us for a discussion on the challenges—and opportunities—for such a regional bubble. We will consider a range of topics including: what might a Pacific region travel/trade bubble look like and how will it be monitored to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19?; the impact of the creation of the travel/trade bubble on diverse groups in the labour market and across different sectors; and other potential impacts that should be considered.
This is the third in a series of PPI sponsored Policy Panels on current public policy issues in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Speakers:
• Dr Collin Tukuitonga (Associate Dean Pacific, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences)
• Yvonne Lucas (Pacific Economic Cooperation Council)
• Don Mann (Pacific Media Network)
Chair:
Dr Tim Fadgen (Associate Director, Public Policy Institute)
