Twenty three New Zealanders flew home on Friday afternoon, making good use of an Air New Zealand cargo flight which landed at Faleolo International Airport.

Upon arrival in Auckland, all passengers will undergo health screening and enter into mandatory 14-day self isolation as part of that country's coronavirus pandemic response.

Flight NZ993 arrived with supplies at 2:40pm and took off at 3pm with the kiwis.

A week ago, a similar flight brought in more than 150 Samoans returning home, who are all undergoing mandatory quarantine at different locations.

Some 100 New Zealanders used the return flight to go home.

* WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING *

* Managed isolation requirement
The New Zealand Government has introduced a strict 14-day managed isolation/quarantine requirement for all international arrivals into New Zealand, effective from midnight on 9 April. That includes this flight. All travellers will be taken directly to either a managed isolation facility (hotel) or a quarantine facility (a separate hotel) for at least 14 days. The New Zealand government is paying the cost of the accommodation and meals in these facilities.

For individuals with a confirmed seat on this flight, you MUST take everything you need for 14 days in isolation/quarantine as you will not be permitted to leave the facility. Please visit www.covid19.govt.nz for more information.

Every passenger entering New Zealand will also be screened for COVID-19 symptoms on arrival. Passengers will be disembarked in small groups and met by Government of New Zealand officials at the gate who will discuss isolation arrangements with you and answer any questions you might have. You can find more information on the managed isolation policy on the Ministry of Health website’s Border Controls page, or on the Passenger Arrival Factsheet.

* Border entry requirements
Eligibility to travel to New Zealand will be assessed against the New Zealand Government’s criteria for international travel during the Covid-19 period.

New Zealand citizens and residents may travel to New Zealand and do not need approval from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) before travelling. There are a limited number of exceptions for other travellers who must seek approval from INZ before travelling using the limited exceptions process. Those who need this approval include:
- partners, dependent children (aged 24 years and under) and legal guardians of New Zealand citizens and residents who are travelling with their New Zealand family member to New Zealand
- Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand.

All other travel to New Zealand by people who hold an NZeTA or a current work, student, visitor, limited or transit visa is not permitted.