[throwaway788]

The last allocation of MIQ slots had 800+ rooms that were not taken. Anyone who urgently needed to return had the ability to secure a room in December.

When Omicron appeared and it hadn’t been detected within the community in NZ it was obvious the NZ government would make changes to delay its introduction by moving to tighten MIQ settings and delaying any removal of quarantine restrictions.

https://www.miq.govt.nz/about/news/miqs-12th-voucher-release...

[postingawayonhn]

All of the January and February rooms were taken. There were some rooms left for the remaining two weeks in December (likely too shot notice for many people) and March (the quarantine system was meant to mostly end by then).

[vanusa]

Anyone who urgently needed to return had the ability to secure a room in December.

I don't see how this is relevant.

Moving forward, citizens and migrant workers will still be forced to get in line behind wealthy investors.

[pmontra]

I'm not a NZ citizen, nor resident nor I have interest in getting there except maybe as a tourist someday. Anyway if I would apply for entry to NZ or any other country I'd expect that all citizens jump the line in front of me, then everyone paying millions, then everybody else.

[Taniwha]

And that would be true today as NZ is not currently allowing anyone without citizenship or a residency visa in at all (with some minor exemption for touring sports teams and the performing arts)

[throwaway788]

When it comes to MIQ allocation they aren’t put ahead of anyone - everyone who has the ability to enter NZ has the same chance and ability to obtain MIQ slots.

[vanusa]

I should have chosen my words better. The point is, given that there is limited capacity for MIQ slots -- some citizens will inevitably be bounced by pay-for-visa holders who are also in line.

[smackeyacky]

Amazing isn't it. We found out who exactly essential workers were (food service, transport, medical, teachers) and also how the rules imposed on all of us were remarkably selective based on wealth. I guess we knew it, but to have it demonstrated in such stark terms has been breathtaking.

[bener]

Citizens are not in line behind wealthy investors, they don't need visas.