Podcasts about grounded kiwis

The COVID Response Minister Ayesha Verral told a select committee MIQ could be re-established if the border was closed again, but the policy on how it would manage emergency spots is yet to be developed - remember the high court found the eligibility was too strictly set. Grounded Kiwis won their High Court challenge to the fairness of the system. Their spokesperson Alexandra Birt joins us with more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even though New Zealand's MIQ and virtual lottery system has now come to an end, there is something comforting in the Grounded Kiwis win in the High Court this week. Finally, common sense comes to the fore, it's like a full stop has been placed under this contentious issue as the High Court acknowledges we needed to protect our border, but it could have been done better.  Grounded Kiwis is an organisation made up of Kiwis here in New Zealand and overseas who speak for all New Zealanders affected by MIQ, of which there were no small number. They asked the High Court to review the system that was in place between September 1 and December 17, 2021.  Their claim was based on a breach of the Bill of Rights which allows New Zealand citizens the right to re-enter the country, a right that Justice Mallon found had been infringed by the combination of the virtual lobby and narrow emergency criteria.  The emergency criteria was one aspect of the system I couldn't get my head around. I understand it was complicated to compare the many different situations people were in, but the system appeared to be set up to let as few people in as possible.  Justice Mallon got it right in saying grounds for emergency allocations were too strictly set, in some cases also narrowly interpreted, and too few places were set aside in MIQ for people who met the criteria. All issues I would have thought were relatively easy to address.  By September last year, many Kiwis who wanted to return home to New Zealand for good had done so. We had seen entertainers and sports teams allocated MIQ slots, and an increase in allocations for some essential workers. So why was it so hard to also cater to Kiwis in need? Pregnant women, sick Kiwis, Kiwis wanting to farewell a loved one?  Of course, the system could have worked better, but for whatever reason, it was deemed too hard to improve. Whether it was a lack of resources, concerns people wouldn't be honest in explaining their situations, or avoiding political fallout – there never really seemed to be a desire to make the system work better, especially for those who needed it most.  We've all heard far too many stories of suffering, and yet the government was immobile on this issue. The exact orders the judge will make have yet to be decided. The parties, which includes the ministers of Health and Covid-19 Response, and the chief executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, as well as Grounded Kiwis, have 14 days to agree on the words of a declaration, or the judge will decide it at a later date. The government's response will be interesting. Chris Hipkins has said they are carefully considering the Court's decision. One would hope they would take the ruling on the chin, reflect and address it.  While it's bittersweet comfort to those who suffered; acknowledgement that not all decisions were good ones is a sign the government understands that it could have pursued its elimination plan, kept people safe and found a way to protect the rights of vulnerable Kiwis, wherever they were in the world.  

It’s time for our panel segment, Pae Korero. Today we're joined by University of Auckland historian Caroline Daley and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, lobby organisation Grounded Kiwis won their case against the Government and the MIQ lottery system. This came as vindication for many New Zealanders who were trapped abroad during the height of the Delta outbreak. What does this decision mean for MIQ as a whole, and is there a chance of compensation for those affected? Today, Open Justice journalist Hazel Osbourne joins Damien to discuss the what went down in the courtroom this week, before the University of Auckland constitutional law expert Dr Jane Norton explains the ramifications - and why this could be good news for the Government. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party say today's High Court ruling proves that MIQ was state-sponsored cruelty.  The Grounded Kiwis have successfully proven MIQ didn't sufficiently allow individual circumstances to be prioritised where necessary. Chris Bishop, the National Party spokesperson for the Covid-19 response, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE 

New Zealanders who battled to get a room in a managed isolation hotel so they could come home are hailing the High Court ruling which found the MIQ lottery system was unfair. Grounded Kiwis have successfully challenged the government, which says it'll now consider the court's decision. Grounded Kiwis' lead lawyer Paul Radich QC spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealanders who battled to get a room in a managed isolation hotel so they could come home are hailing the High Court ruling which found the MIQ lottery system was unfair. Grounded Kiwis have successfully challenged the government, which says it'll now consider the court's decision. The opposition says all the government needs to do is apologise. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

The Government's Covid-19 response has taken a huge knock with a High Court ruling the MIQ system was unfair. Justice Mallon says it was inevitable the system would operate unjustly when demand exceeded supply. National Party Spokesperson for Covid-19 Chris Bishop spoke to Corin Dann.

Panellists Michelle A'Court and Mark Sainsbury discuss Grounded Kiwis who have won a major legal battle against the Government's handling of the MIQ lottery system. They also discuss the new security pact between the Solomon Islands and China, as well as the etiquette of punctuality to a dinner party.

The High Court has ruled in favour of Grounded Kiwis, finding that the MIQ system was in parts unjustified and operated unfairly. What will this mean for the government... and to voters? David Parker's tax "investigation" – can we all agree they can't fool anyone and clearly want to introduce more taxes for the rich? Is this wise right now? The government is introducing a card for people who are actually exempt from wearing a mask. This seems like a very 2020 thing to do.. do we still need this stuff? A UK study found lunch breaks have reduced from one hour to an average of 29 minutes. Who still takes a lunch break? Jack Tame and David Farrar joined Heather du Plessis-Allan on the Huddle. LISTEN ABOVE 

The High Court rules in favour of the Grounded Kiwis.  James Shaw is consulting on a climate adaption plan. Michael Wood has announced an investigation after two port deaths in the past week. Political reporter Aaron Dahmen joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE 

The floor may be open for Kiwis to seek compensation, after a High Court ruling on our MIQ system. It's been found categories for emergency MIQ vouchers were too tightly set and sometimes too narrowly interpreted. The Court also found the MIQ lottery system unfair. Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Martin Newall told Heather du Plessis-Allan they now want Government recognition that it could've done better. “It's up to the Government to determine what amends it could make to compensate people for their suffering, or if individuals would choose to take cases to court to get some recognition of that.” LISTEN ABOVE 

'Not demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society'. Grounded Kiwis has won its High Court challenge against the Minister of Health after claiming the MIQ lottery system failed New Zealanders living overseas by refusing them the right to return home freely. In a 140-page judgment released this afternoon, Justice Mallon said the MIQ lobby did not allow personal circumstances to be considered or prioritised. She said whilst the system, which operated for 22 months from April 2020, was a critical component of the government's elimination strategy and positive health outcomes, the virtual lobby and narrow emergency criteria meant the rights of kiwis to return freely was infringed. Martin Newell is the spokesperson for Grounded Kiwis. He talks to Nick Truebridge.

The news out this afternoon is that the Grounded Kiwis group has won its court battle against the Government over MIQ. The thing to take away from this is that the Government's MIQ story is falling apart. It's getting harder and harder to believe that MIQ was the right thing or the best thing for Kiwis. The High Court today hasn't ruled that MIQ itself was unfair.  It's only ruled that in some cases late last year it unjustifiably stopped some Kiwis coming home, and that there should've and could've been a better system than the hunger games lottery. So, the overriding message is: it could've been done better. Now, that's not a knockout blow on MIQ by any means, but it isn't pretty only a week after the revelation that we actually didn't need MIQ before Christmas, we didn't need to keep ex-pat Kiwis out. Last Tuesday we found out that both Ashley Bloomfield and Caroline McElnay signed off on advice to the Government that MIQ was ‘no longer justified' because of how much Delta we had in the country. Especially on days like November 16 when we had 222 delta cases in New Zealand… and none at the border. None of this probably surprises you. Not if you were half awake and watching what was happening during the Delta outbreak.  We all knew MIQ was pointless then… this only proves we were right. Especially if we felt that keeping Kiwis locked out of New Zealand for Christmas was a self-serving, cynical political decision by Labour. Personally, I think it was a decision made by a government wanting to remain popular with people freaked out by Covid, and they put their own popularity ahead of Kiwis who wanted to come home. The good news for the Government is that this probably won't' hurt it politically.  MIQ is yesterday's story and Labour has already taken the political knock here. I think much of the reason they're now behind National in the polls is that many voters wised up to the cruelty of MIQ and realized ‘be kind' is just a slogan. They don't actually act on it. But today's news and Friday's news means that it'll become harder and harder for Labour to crow about what a success MIQ was. Given how cruel it now looks… it's probably better for Labour to treat MIQ as a dirty word and avoid talking about in in public. 

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I admire the Grounded Kiwis and I am thrilled for their win in the High Court.But, and it's a big but, what effect will this have? I note the previous win over vaccine mandates by the Police and Defence Force has led to nothing in the sense that Defence is continuing mandates.You'll remember a Māori authority took the Ministry of Health to court over access to information and won. But then the Ministry still refused to let the information out.At the start of the pandemic the Government also lost in the case that argued the first nine days of lockdown was unlawful. But once again, to what effect?It is, of course, a reminder that a government is the ultimate court. They, if they have the numbers, can do whatever they like.The only real hope out of the Grounded Kiwis' case is that it's a moral victory and perhaps something the voter and certainly every expat will remember come next year's election.What the judge said, in essence, is what the vast majority of us already knew. There was always a better way to do what the Government were trying to do. The system they insisted on was cruel. It was a lottery when it didn't need to be.The Government always pleaded innocence over alternatives. But that is one of their great governing weak points, they never admit mistakes, they never admit fault, and they never admit failures.The travel industry pleaded to help, the very people whose bread and butter is booking, shuffling, and sorting stuff. They were never listened to.No, you were never going to please everyone. But then they never tried to please more than they were. They were blind and deaf to the pleas for help, the cries of distress, the abject misery so many ex-pats were put through at some of the worst times of their lives.The permanent stain on this Government and its reputation are the stories of illnesses and deaths in families that were deliberately kept apart because of a government that would not listen and certainly didn't have a heart.And as Charlotte Bellis showed us, when they didn't have a heart, what you needed was PR and media help. This is yet another government failing, their poll driven obsession with oiling embarrassing squeaky wheels.So well done to the Grounded Kiwis. It's a good and just win. Given it's retrospective, and nothing really happens now, I hope the fight and energy has been worth it.You also might like to think that the Government might just hang their heads in a bit of shame, but don't hold your breath.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relief from advocates a High Court ruling has found the MIQ lottery system was unfair.The decision also ruled the narrow criteria for an emergency voucher infringed on New Zealanders' rights to enter the country.The challenge was put forward by Grounded Kiwis, which represented New Zealanders stuck overseas.Their lawyer Paul Radich says told Mike Hosking they accepted from the outset that some form of MIQ was essential. He says the judge found there were different ways the system could've been calibrated and operated.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grounded Kiwis group has won a legal battle against the Government's MIQ system. A High Court judge has ruled it impeded the right of returning New Zealanders in a way which was not justified in a free and democratic society. Grounded Kiwis co-founder and spokesperson Alexandra Birt spoke to Kim Hill.

The government has come out defending its MIQ programme, despite losing a High Court challenge launched by the Grounded Kiwis group, representing New Zealanders stranded overseas and unable to come home. The High Court found that the MIQ system operated unjustly in some cases, and that the so called 'virtual lobby' which allocated MIQ spaces operated like a lottery. It also found the emergency allocation process, which was supposed to help stranded and desperate New Zealand citizens, was not run effectively. And in what is perhaps the most damning aspect of the finding, the Court said that a more sophisticated system, that better prioritised those with a right to return, was reasonably available, and would have met the government's public health strategy. One of those loudly calling for the government to change its MIQ settings was Sir Ian Taylor. He talks to Nick Truebridge.

Newly released documents show that health officials agreed that MIQ was "no longer justified" for most returnees. However, it took another three and a half months, almost 40,000 MIQ stays and seven voucher lotteries before most incoming travelers could enter freely. The group Grounded Kiwis is still waiting on a judgement at the High Court on the legality of the MIQ system. Martin Newell from Grounded Kiwis says the ministry's memo added "insult to injury" for thousands of people who were unable to travel. However, Otago University Law Professor Andrew Geddis told Karyn Hay it is unlikely to be a smoking gun.

Starting friday 11:59pm, vaccinated Kiwis from anywhere in the world will now be able to return with no self-isolation requirements. For those coming from Australia, that begins Wednesday 11:59pm. RATs will be needed before and after arrival, and on day 5.  Cabinet is now looking at whether the remaining three steps of the five-step border reopening plan can also be bought forward.  Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Alexandra Birt joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE 

From 11.59 pm tonight, border changes in New Zealand will allow vaccinated Kiwis in Australia to return home and self-isolate – rather than go into MIQ. Grounded Kiwis spokesperson, Martin Newell joined Francesca Rudkin from Melbourne. LISTEN ABOVE 

'Proportionate to the risks the country faced'. The defence the government put up today over a legal challenge of its MIQ system, and the limitations it put on offshore New Zealanders. The Grounded Kiwis group has been arguing in the High Court that border restrictions have breached the Bill of Rights. Today lawyers for the government said people have to be alive and well to exercise those rights, and it was appropriate for a precautionary approach to be taken. Nita Blake-Persen has the story.

The 'foundational right' of New Zealanders to return home, versus the 'proportionate' response to the risks the country faced. The two key arguments that have been debated in the High Court in Wellington over the last couple of days, as the group Grounded Kiwis takes on the government over the MIQ system. It's a policy that's resulted in heartbreak for thousands of offshore New Zealanders, forced to play the MIQ lottery to get a ticket home. The hearing has now wrapped up and a group of Grounded Kiwis is gathering in the capital. Checkpoint reporter Nita Blake-Persen was there. She is joined by Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Alexandra Birt.

It is being suggested it would take a bold judge to side with a group that claims MIQ was unlawful or unreasonable. A two-day judicial review of the system has wrapped up in the High Court - a case taken by Grounded Kiwis, arguing the right to enter New Zealand. The court's decision has been reserved.   Auckland University law expert Jane Norton told Mike Hosking any judge that sides with the group would be pretty brave. “At the time that's being challenged, they were pursuing an elimination strategy, so the alternative that Grounded Kiwis are suggesting weren't have been able to achieve elimination in New Zealand.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legal challenge to the government's MIQ system enters its second and final day today. The case is brought by the Grounded Kiwis group which is arguing people have been stranded overseas for far too long. It is seeking a judicial review in the High Court at Wellington. Victoria University's Associate Professor of Law, Dean Knight, talks with Kathryn about what he says is a "complex and tricky" case.

The 'foundational right' of New Zealanders to return to their country is at the core of a legal battle being fought over the MIQ system. The case, being taken by the group Grounded Kiwis against the government, finally made it to the High Court in Wellington today. While MIQ will be massively scaled back as the border eases open in a few weeks, the group wants a legal ruler run over the system, which has seen thousands of New Zealanders struggle to return home during the pandemic. Nita Blake-Persen joins Lisa Owen with the latest details.

The group Grounded Kiwis goes to the High Court today to press its case against the MIQ system. They are seeking a judicial review of the system that has seen many thousands of New Zealanders abroad unable to secure a place in the lottery system and therefore unable to return home. Grounded Kiwis says this is unlawful, unreasonable and breaches the Bill of Rights. The case is expected to last two days. Grounded Kiwis' spokesperson Martin Newell spoke to Susie Ferguson.

The Grounded Kiwis legal battle kicks off this morning.The group is taking the Government to the High Court in a Judicial Review over MIQ.They claim the Government's acted unlawfully, unreasonably and in breach of the Bill of Rights Act that states every New Zealand citizen has the right to enter New Zealand.Martelli McKegg partner and litigation head Jacque Lethbridge told Mike Hosking it allows the court, in this case, to tell the Government the way it's been operating MIQ is unlawful and should be changed, but the Government doesn't have to listen.“I think in real terms, the Government should listen to the court if the board is to find it's acted in an unlawful way.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hoped Charlotte Bellis' story will bring a government u-turn on returnees self-isolating.  The pregnant journalist's story of trying to come home from Afghanistan has garnered international attention, and brought calls for border policy change.  Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Alexandra Birt told Mike Hosking many are in similar situations, and New Zealand is one of only a few countries still operating a hotel isolation system. “When you look at the impact it's having on people's lives and how long it's been going on for, we really do need to see change and see it quickly.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders desperate to return home who feel they've been locked out of the country should have some certainty soon. Cabinet ministers are expected to discuss their plan for re-opening the borders when they meet today and an announcement could be just days away. The latest plan states that from the-end-of-February, vaccinated New Zealanders in Australia, and possibly elsewhere, will be allowed to skip MIQ and isolate at home. Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Martin Newell spoke to Corin Dann.

There are calls for a reduction in overseas arrivals, to stop MIQ hotels being overrun with Omicron. The new Covid-19 variant has prompted the Government to lengthen the quarantine stay of all arrivals, shorten the pre-departure test period, and push back quarantine-free travel from Australia. But experts say that's still not enough and there are concerns the red traffic light would be insufficient to avoid rapid spread of Omicron if it leaks into the community. Alexandra Birt from Grounded Kiwis, talks to Bryan about the change in rules and puts the case for relaxing the rules.

Grounded Kiwis are hoping their calls for changes to MIQ take flight and the threat of Omicron does not cause delays. A petition with almost 23,000 signatures has been delivered to Parliament asking for it to be made easier to get New Zealanders overseas home. In particular, the petition calls for MIQ to better align with the Bill of Rights. Our reporter Jake McKee and cameraman Angus Dreaver have the story, and Lisa Owen talks to Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Alexandra Birt.

New Zealanders stranded abroad finally have some certainty from the government about when they can return home. Those fully vaccinated will soon be able to skip the MIQ lottery and instead, isolate at home for seven days. The reopening of the borders will be staggered - New Zealanders in Australia will be first from mid January, New Zealanders from the rest of the world in February, and fully vaccinated foreign travellers in April. Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Alexandra Birt spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealanders stranded abroad finally have some certainty from the government about when they can return home. Those fully vaccinated will soon be able to skip the MIQ lottery and instead, isolate at home for seven days. The reopening of the borders will be staggered - New Zealanders in Australia will be first from mid January, New Zealanders from the rest of the world in February, and fully vaccinated foreign travellers in April. Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Alexandra Birt spoke to Corin Dann.

Murray Bolton. How good has he been today?As you know, last week he won his legal case against the officials running MIQ.He has to go to the States for work, but he doesn't want to go through the lottery of human misery that is MIQ.He's double jabbed, he can easily isolate at home in Auckland, there's no reason why he can't, given how much Covid there is in Auckland, so he took officials to the High Court and won.He's just had the news today that officials have backed down and he can now isolate at home.But here's the best bit: Murray is going to help other Kiwis do the same.He's offered to share his legal research with the guys at Grounded Kiwis who are representing all the overseas New Zealanders trying to get back through MIQ. And better yet, he's prepared to help fund cases if his lawyer reckons there's a chance of them winning.What a top thing to do.Because he's proving Chris Hipkins wrong, isn't he? Hipkins tried to paint Murray Bolton as a rich guy trying to buy his way “to the front of the queue”.No, he's not. He's trying to dismantle a queue we don't need any more.And even without helping people out case by case, just by taking the officials to the Court, he's done a lot to start that process.Because officials are on notice now.Legal academic Andrew Geddis read the Bolton High Court ruling and the next day wrote an opinion piece saying the basis for the MIQ system will get “more and more difficult to justify”.Because as the Court pointed out here, Kiwis have a right to travel by law. Officials need to consider that, and also consider how much Covid risk these Kiwis actually pose to the community if they isolate at home rather than MIQ.Especially – you could add – when we have 163 cases today.So it's not just a victory for Murray Bolton. It's a victory for all Kiwis stuck overseas trying to get back through MIQ.And just as a fun aside, Murray Bolton's message to Chris Hipkins today was “go to hell”.Incidentally, that's where I'd like to send MIQ.

An advocacy group for Kiwis stuck overseas says changes to managed isolation stays will benefit those with existing bookings, but not those without one. From 15 November most international travellers will be required to stay in MIQ facilities for seven days, rather than the currently mandated fourteen.  But that may not mean double the number of New Zealanders being able to come home because many of those spots will be taken up by Covid-postive community cases. Grounded Kiwis organiser Alexandra Birt spoke to Susie Ferguson.

An advocacy group for Kiwis stuck overseas says changes to managed isolation stays will benefit those with existing bookings, but not those without one. From 15 November most international travellers will be required to stay in MIQ facilities for seven days, rather than the currently mandated fourteen.  But that may not mean double the number of New Zealanders being able to come home because many of those spots will be taken up by Covid-postive community cases. Grounded Kiwis organiser Alexandra Birt spoke to Susie Ferguson.

A group of New Zealanders stuck overseas have proposed a self isolation system for returnees, which would see more people get home and reduce cost for the government. The Grounded Kiwis plan would take into account the vaccine status of the people returning and where they've come from, as well as the vaccine rates in New Zealand. Grounded Kiwis' spokesperson Martin Newell joins Nita Blake-Persen from Melbourne.  

Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is launching a investigation into the Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) booking system. He has received 200 complaints, saying the allocation system is unlawful, unfit for purpose, unfair, and poorly managed. Grounded Kiwis is a network of New Zealanders seeking a court order that will prevent the government from continuing to operate MIQ in the current way. Spokesperson and lawyer Alexandra Birt spoke to Corin Dann.

Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is launching a investigation into the Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) booking system. He has received 200 complaints, saying the allocation system is unlawful, unfit for purpose, unfair, and poorly managed. Grounded Kiwis is a network of New Zealanders seeking a court order that will prevent the government from continuing to operate MIQ in the current way. Spokesperson and lawyer Alexandra Birt spoke to Corin Dann.

The emergency allocation system for spots in MIQ is cumbersome and demands an unrealistic levels of evidence, with fewer than 10 percent of applications being approved in some categories according to an advocay group. Three hundred and fifty managed isolation rooms are set side each fortnight for critical travel, where the person is unlikely to get a spot in time through the lottery system. Categories include travelling for medical treatment, to care for the terminally ill, look after a child or because of the death of close family. The group Grounded Kiwis advocates for New Zealanders trying to navigate MIQ and is taking legal action over the system. Spokesperson Martin Newell says MBIE figures it has obtained under the Official Information Act suggest emergency MIQ spots are being left empty, despite hundreds of applications. MBIE says counts it application numbers rather than individuals involved. When Checkpoint asked for an interview it said no-one was available, instead sending a link to its web page for emergency allocation requests, with details when, how and who could apply. The page notes meeting the criteria does not guarantee a spot and some application categories are prioritised over others. 

It has been described as a lottery in human misery. The Managed Isolation and Quarantine system now faces a challenge in court. On Friday, the Grounded Kiwis group filed documents in the High Court in Wellington. The group alleges the Covid-19 Response Minister, Health Minister and the boss of MBIE have all broken the law, in the way they have set up and run the MIQ system. Grounded Kiwis is seeking a court order stopping the government from continuing to operate MIQ in the way it does currently. In recent months many stories have appeared in the media from people desperate to get an MIQ voucher to get home to see dying loved ones, elderly parents, to care for children, or avoid having their superannuation cut. Most recently, people tried in the new MIQ online lobby system for a voucher, with thousands left disappointed. Lawyer and Grounded Kiwis spokesperson Alexandra Birt talks to Lisa Owen.

Grounded Kiwis - a group of New Zealand citizens overseas who are struggling to get into MIQ - have launched legal action against the government over the MIQ system. Public law specialist Paul Radich QC is taking the case. He says they are asking the court to declare that the order that is in place, and the practical systems that operate through the MIQ website, are in breach of the Bill of Rights. Under section 18 of the Bill of Rights Act, every New Zealander has the right to enter the country. Radich told Checkpoint while the group accepts quarantine is necessary, their real concern is the limited number of hotel rooms available.  

Legal action is brewing by Grounded Kiwis - which advocates for vast numbers of expats who want to get home, but cannot. With the demand for MIQ rooms massively outstripping supply, the right to return home is hugely constrained by the country's border policy. So how long can they legally do that for? Otago University law professor Andrew Geddis joins me now.  

Low satisfaction levels for the new MIQ booking system. It had its first run at the start of last week, and will be in action again this evening In a Grounded Kiwis survey about 900 respondents gave the new system an overall rating of 3 point 6 out of 10.  A quarter of them say they had technical difficulties.  AUT computer scientist Ken Johnson told Kate Hawkesby the lobby system was developed in response to automated scripts and bots.  "In a way, the lobby system is much fairer, of course. But it does have its own problems." The next tranche of spots will be released this evening from 5pm. LISTEN ABOVE 

A new managed isolation system hopes to beat some of the bots.At 8am a virtual lobby will open, placing people in a queue for 3000 managed isolation vouchers released at 9am.Alexandra Birt of Grounded Kiwis told Kate Hawkesby there are some positives to the new system.“It definitely will affect the bots in the sense that, the ones that would notify you the times that the release would occur obviously won't need those anymore, because we know that the release will occur at 9am New Zealand time, so from that perspective, there's definitely greater transparency.”LISTEN ABOVE

Scientists have a tough message for New Zealanders struggling to come home: it is far too risky to throw open the gates just yet. The Grounded Kiwis group has been calling for more rooms in managed isolation to be opened up - and thinks fully-vaccinated travellers should be allowed to isolate at home. Experts says that would risk another Delta outbreak while the country is still largely unvaccinated. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has the story.

Legal action is brewing over the government's managed isolation and quarantine booking system. The test case was to be a pregnant women, with health complications who was denied an emergency allocation in managed isolation so she could get home to New Zealand for the birth. But the judicial review is likely to be taken by other claimants after the woman was granted an emergency MIQ spot at the eleventh hour. Grounded Kiwis has been urging the government to overhaul its MIQ booking system. London-based lawyer and New Zealander Alexandra Birt is part of that group and joins Lisa Owen with her analysis.