COVID-19 alert levels in New Zealand

[2] The country may return to the alert level system if a future major outbreak occurred that necessitated it, such as a new vaccine-resistant variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

[13] On 11 May, it was announced that New Zealand would enter alert level 2 from 11:59 pm on 13 May, lifting lockdown restrictions while maintaining physical distancing in public and for private gatherings with more than ten people.

[14] On 8 June, Ardern announced that the country would enter alert level 1 at 11:59 pm that night, lifting the remaining restrictions.

[31] On 17 August 2021, after a report of a new community case presumed to be infected with the Delta variant of the virus, Ardern announced that New Zealand would move to alert level 4 at 11:59 pm.

Event limit restrictions were also relaxed for areas under Level 2, with 100 people being allowed in indoor hospitality venues.

In addition, a "bespoke" lockdown requirement was established in Whakatīwai, Waikato due to recent community cases there.

[43][44] Whakatīwai was given a Section 70-stay-at-home order for the next five days while the Health Ministry conducted contact tracing.

[54] On 11 October, Auckland's Level 3 lockdown was extended for another week, with students being asked not to return to class next Monday.

Waikato would remain on Alert Level 3 due to further cases and positive wastewater testing results.

This allows retailers to operate with face masks and physical distance; increases the number of people at outdoor gatherings to 25; and removes the two-household restriction.

[57] On 2 November, COVID-19 Response Minister Hipkins placed the northern part of the Northland Region under an Alert Level 3 lockdown after authorities were unable to find any epidemiological links for two community cases.

Outdoor gatherings, funerals, weddings, and civil unions will be allowed with an increased 25 person limit.

Ardern also indicated that Cabinet expects to move Auckland into the COVID Protection Framework from 29 November 2021.

Auckland and areas with low vaccination would start on the "Red setting" (compulsory record-keeping, scanning, face masks, and limits on public gatherings) while the rest of the country would start on the "Orange setting" (Public facilities, education providers, workplaces and specified community events allowed to reopen subject to capacity limits while regional boundary restrictions are eased).