Arden said on April 27 at 11:59pm the country will move into Alert Level 3 for two weeks before being reviewed on May 11.
There are a lot of similarities to the current lockdown, but under Alert Level 3, there will be some changes on physical distancing, work, schools, and shopping.
People must stay in their household bubbles whenever they are not at work, school, buying groceries or exercising.
Physical distancing practices will remain, and up to 10 people can still gather for funerals, tangihanga, and wedding ceremonies.
Businesses will start to reopen but cannot offer services which involve face-to-face contact, meaning shopping malls, butchers, and grocers will remain closed unless they can offer a contactless service.
Takeaway stores can reopen with pre-ordered contactless pickup or home delivery.
Supermarkets, dairies and petrol stations have the same restrictions and measures in place as at Alert Level 4.
Early learning childcare and primary schools will open, but it will take about a week until they are prepared to have any students on the premises. Students are not required to wear personal protective equipment like gloves and masks.
The COVID-19 Government website said fewer restrictions would follow.
“If we are successful in controlling COVID-19 under Alert Level 3 we will be able to move down to Alert Level 2, where there are far fewer restrictions.”