Government clarifies: Warehouse to shut, dairies stay open
MBIE deputy chief executive Paul Stocks said the purpose of escalating New Zealand's Covid-19 alert level to 4 was to stop the virus in its tracks and reduce contact between people. "That's why we need as many businesses as possible to close their premises now if our one shot at beating the virus is to be successful," Stocks said. "Only the businesses absolutely essential to ensure the necessities of life, like supermarkets and pharmacies, can stay open. If in doubt, the business premises should be closed." He said that meant the Warehouse needed to close its stores. Stocks said "big box" retailers like Bunnings, PlaceMakers and Mitre 10 can stay open to trade customers for essential purposes only. "These retailers play an important part in the construction supply chain, but they cannot sell goods to the general public." Dairies can continue to operate, but must ensure strict physical distancing rules for customers. Stocks said dairies sold basic food items like bread and milk, often to the elderly who may not be able to get to a supermarket. "If any dairy breaks the rules, we will shut it down. If there is evidence of systemic abuse, we will remove them from the essential services list." All restaurants, cafes and bars must close all aspects of their operation, including delivery. That means food delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliver Easy cannot operate either, however, the delivery of food that is not pre-cooked will be allowed. "We are doing further work on online ordering of non-food products for home delivery to see if this type of retail can be conducted safely. We will update advice on this once further decisions are made," Stocks said. Liquor stores will also need to close, except where they operate in licensing trust areas. Businesses that are a critical part of the supply chain for essential services are also able to continue operating, but must do so in a way that is safe. "For example, if you make chemicals that are needed for our waste-water plants, then we need you to keep operating at the minimum level required." Stocks said there would be significant limits on what people could buy, however, the list could be adapted if it was found some essential services needed to be made available. Stocks confirmed that smaller shops - including fruit and vegetable store operators - would be closed during the month-long lockdown. Butchers were also not considered an essential service and would be closing their doors after today too.
Full details on essential services:
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***Dairies to stay open, with "one-in one-out" rule
***Food delivery prohibited, except meals on wheels and delivery of food not pre-cooked
***Liquor stores closed, unless within a Licensing Trust Area and with "one-in one-out" rule
***Self-service laundries can stay open, two-metre physical distancing to be enforced
***Retirement villages included as an essential service
***The Warehouse to close stores to the public
***Bunnings, PlaceMakers, Mitre 10 and other retailers essential to the supply chain for building and construction can stay open for trade customers for essential purposes only
***The Tiwai Point smelter exempt from closure
***NZ Steel shut down in a way that allows for production to recommence easily
***Pulp and paper plants to shut down non-essential elements in a way that allows for production to recommence easily while maintaining essential production
***Methanex to remain in production, but at a scale consistent with stability of gas supply.
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Meri Kirihimete:----- Here's wishing all Christians a very MERRY CHRISTMAS
Wishing you a Christmas filled with light, laughter, and the kind of friendly conversation that makes our neighborhood feel welcoming, connected, and full of goodwill all season long.
May your festive season be peaceful, joyful, and rich with shared smiles, thoughtful gestures, and moments that remind us why community and connection matter so much.
Sending heartfelt greetings that celebrate the warmth of our neighborhood, encouraging shared laughter, cooperative spirit, and the joy of being part of a caring community.
Wishing you a Christmas where every door opened brings laughter, every conversation inspires friendship, and every small act of kindness reflects the true meaning of the season.
May this holiday season fill our neighborhood with light, love, and harmony, creating memories that bring everyone closer and strengthen bonds that last well beyond the festive period.
Sending greetings that reflect gratitude for your presence, friendship, and the support you offer, making our corner of New Zealand feel like home during Christmas.
Wishing you a festive season full of community celebrations, cheerful greetings, and shared moments that strengthen the connection we enjoy as neighbors.
May our streets be brighter with laughter, our gardens warmer with friendship, and our gatherings filled with memorable festive moments that bring joy to every household.
Sending heartfelt wishes that even in the busiest moments, we pause to appreciate one another, fostering goodwill, understanding, and a sense of shared joy during the holidays.
Wishing you Christmas mornings full of cheerful greetings, afternoons filled with kind interactions, and evenings that reflect the harmony and warmth of our neighborhood
May the spirit of Christmas inspire generosity, smiles, and memorable connections that remind us of the true value of community and companionship.
Sending you long, thoughtful messages of gratitude and goodwill, wishing every festive activity brings happiness and shared enjoyment.
Wishing for moments of neighborly cooperation, laughter, and support that enhance our holiday celebrations and create lasting festive memories.
May this season bring a sense of belonging, connection, and appreciation for every individual who contributes to the vibrancy and warmth of our neighborhood.
Sending wishes for shared joy, memorable interactions, and meaningful moments that make our community stronger and more cheerful this Christmas.
Wishing you celebrations where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and included, reflecting the essence of kindness and togetherness this festive season.
May our neighborhood be a space of warmth, smiles, and shared experiences that elevate the Christmas spirit for everyone living here.
Sending greetings that celebrate friendship, community spirit, and thoughtful gestures, leaving lasting impressions on every neighbor we encounter.
Wishing you holidays where communication, kindness, and shared laughter make our community stronger and more connected than ever.
May every Christmas greeting, conversation, and shared moment enrich our neighborhood, fostering joy, trust, and long-lasting relationships.
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