The National Transition Period over the whole of New Zealand due to the impacts of COVID-19 was terminated on 8 June 2020 at 1:53PM, the Minister for Civil Defence has announced.

“This move does not signal that New Zealanders should stop being vigilant in protecting themselves and others from the virus,” Peeni Henare said.

The Minister said he is satisfied due to powers available under the new COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020, the National Transition Period is no longer required.

The National Emergency Management Agency says transition periods support a transition from response into the initial recovery phase.

A national transition period that gives recovery managers and others with powers designed to assist with recovery is enabled for 90 days. However the Minister may make the decision to extend the period.