As a result of the global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, New Zealand has been in a state of emergency since March 25. The seven-day state has been extended six times during Alert Levels 4 and 3. Today, though, just hours out from the nation entering Alert Level 2, those restrictions were lifted.

“This move does not signal that New Zealanders should stop being vigilant in protecting themselves and others from the virus. It is essential we all follow the alert level requirements to ensure we do not lose the gains we have made. With fewer restrictions in place as we move to Alert Level 2 on Thursday, and the decrease in the numbers of Covid-19 cases, it is now the appropriate time to lift the state of national emergency and move into a national transition period” - Henare said.

New Zealand will have a national transition period in place, in order to apply a consistent approach to civil defence emergency management, and see the country move into the recovery phase of the Covid-19 response plan.

This will include conservation of food, fuel and other essential supplies, as well as emergency powers to a newly appointed “National Recovery Manager”.