Fifty-six film workers from Los Angeles were given permission to re-enter New Zealand by the economic development minister, Phil Twyford, under the category “other essential worker”.
The international crew of Avatar 2 have been given special permission to enter New Zealand to begin filming the blockbuster sequel – despite the country’s border being closed to all foreign nationals.
“The New Zealand border remains closed and public health remains the government’s number one priority in making border exemption decisions,” Twyford said in a statement.
On 16 March, prime minister Jacinda Ardern closed New Zealand’s borders as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19.