The State of National Emergency has been lifted and a National Transition Period is now in place as the country prepares to move to COVID-19 Alert Level 2, Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare has announced.
The State of National Emergency was issued on 25 March as the country entered COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown and the seven-day state was extended six times.
“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,” Mr Henare says.
“With fewer restrictions in place as we move to Alert Level 2, 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.
Putting a National Transition Period in place will support a nationally consistent and coordinated approach to civil defence emergency management activities, including:
- providing for the conservation and supply of food, fuel and other essential supplies
- directing people to stop any activity that may cause, or substantially contribute to the consequences of, the spread of COVID-19
Police can also exercise powers during the transition period.