NZ travel bubble with the Cook Islands could be in place by end of year

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says a travel bubble with the Cook Islands could be open by the end of the year.

Ardern says they have considered a draft text for the basis of an agreement.

She says the next phase will be a verification phase on both sides within the next 10 days.

Radio NZ reports that Ardern says two factors that will be a "significant part" of the verification phase are the maritime and aviation border.

She says those who would legally be able to be in New Zealand would be eligible but if they're not New Zealand citizens, they may need to go through an extra phase.

Ardern says a travel bubble was only being considered with the realm countries which is the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.

[Source: Radio NZ]