When New Zealand closed its border to all but citizens and residents last March, many partners and families situated in different countries were separated.

In numerous cases, they have been unable to reunite more than a year later.

On Monday, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said he would create new exemptions to New Zealand's border closures to allow families of critical healthcare workers and other highly-skilled workers to join them in Aotearoa.

"Closing our border was critical to keeping COVID-19 out ... it was to protect lives," Mr Faafoi said.

"The new border exceptions will reunite hundreds of people caught in that situation.

"It may still be another few months before these families are reunited but we hope this provides more certainty for them."

However the changes won't assist all suffering from long separations.

Migrant workers who don't meet the criteria or who don't have 12 months left on their visa won't be eligible.

Meanwhile other foreigners will be granted exemptions to move to New Zealand should they meet economic needs.

Mr Faafoi denied he was prioritising the economy over families, saying these were "not easy" decisions.

"We've been attempting to strike a balance," he said.

"There will still be some families, despite our announcement today, that will find themselves in difficult situations.

"Decisions around giving people an exception to our closed border has to balance the needs of many industries and sectors as well as social, cultural and humanitarian objectives."

The move is possible following the creation of the trans-Tasman bubble.

Until Monday, all arrivals into New Zealand - regardless of their origin or status - were required to spend a fortnight in the government's managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) regime.

With Australian travellers now exempt from MIQ, there are finally places within the hotly-contested system, allowing Mr Faafoi the chance to relax the system.

Australian Associated Press