Two tourists face deportation a day after arriving in New Zealand with no clear plans to self-isolate as the country tries to halt the spread of coronavirus.
They are the first to be face deportation as officials kick off spot checks of those who arrived in the country after 1am on Monday to ensure they self-isolate for 14 days.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) said the pair arrived from South East Asia on Monday morning. The pair are required to remain in New Zealand for 14 days of self-isolation.
"This kind of behaviour is completely irresponsible and will not be tolerated which is why these individuals have been made liable for deportation," INZ compliance and verification general manager Stephen Vaughan said.
"They are currently being quarantined. If they fail to depart after quarantine, they will be arrested and detained under the Immigration Act."
Officers arrived at the Rucksacker backpacker hostel in Christchurch about 11.30am on Tuesday. A witness reported seeing a police prisoner van transport a woman wearing a mask, and several police officers were seen speaking to other backpackers.