Parts of the Waikato including Hamilton moved into alert level 3, step one last night, as the region reported six new cases of Covid-19.
Residents can now gather outdoors in groups of up to 10 people between two households.
Early learning centres can reopen to all children, and certain recreational activities including golf, sailing, and scuba diving are now permitted. But that news isn't much comfort for businesses in retail, hospitality, beauty and wellness, who are stuck in takeaway-only and online shopping mode.
Hamilton Central Business Association general manager Vanessa Williams says Waikato businesses were blindsided by the news that they would be following the stepped route out of level 3.
She spoke to Susie Ferguson.
