Originally Posted by SqKiwi

I am not sure why New Zealand is pursuing an elimination strategy. It comes at a high cost (~10% of GDP if international travel resumes elsewhere, but not in NZ) and was based on some assumptions around the spread of the virus which now no longer hold e.g. the measures that 'stop the spread' which have the most effect are banning large gatherings, physical distancing and good hygiene. Plus good testing and tracing. None of these require limitations on international travel, but do recognize that cases will occur from time to time and need to be managed. Just like any other infectious disease.