Google mogul Larry Page allowed into New Zealand despite closed border
The billionaire had reportedly been based on an outlying Fijian island during the Covid-19 pandemic
Google co-founder Larry Page was allowed into New Zealand despite its closed border, officials confirmed Thursday, reportedly seeking hospital treatment for one of his children.
The billionaire's visit prompted criticism from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's political opponents, who demanded an explanation for why he was permitted to enter despite coronavirus travel restrictions.
Immigration New Zealand general manager of border and visa operations, Nicola Hogg, told AFP that Page "met relevant requirements" to be approved entry to New Zealand.
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"Mr Page is not a permanent resident. Citizenship is a matter for the Department of Internal Affairs. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to comment further without a privacy waiver."
Hogg did not address the question of whether Page spent two weeks in quarantine, as required of people entering the country, nor the reason for the visit.
The billionaire had reportedly been based on an outlying Fijian island during the Covid-19 pandemic.
New Zealand's opposition ACT Party called on Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government to be more open about his visit.
"The Government has questions to answer about why billionaire Google co-founder Larry Page was allowed into New Zealand when desperate Kiwis and separated families can't get through the border," ACT leader David Seymour said.
"Larry Page was allowed into New Zealand but the government won't give any details about why he was allowed in."
Page visited New Zealand when a child required hospital treatment, the Stuff news website said, quoting New Zealand businessman Stephen Tindall who knows Page personally.
Tindall said Page had left New Zealand "quite a while ago".
The ACT Party's Seymour said while he had sympathy for Page's situation, there were numerous people with similar issues who could not get in.
"I have had to tell them, 'sorry, but there is no way you can get through the border, government policy will not allow it'," he added.
"New Zealanders stranded overseas who are desperate to get home deserve answers."
Page founded Google with Sergey Brin in the 1990s and is listed by Bloomberg as the sixth-richest person in the world with a reported wealth of $121 billion.
