The big list of what is essential

Michael Neighbourly Lead from Roslyn - Terrace End

After making a few mistakes and getting asked what is an "essential business" I went to the covid19 page and dug up the list, posting it in its entirety for everyone to see.

All supermarkets are considered an essential service

Farmers markets are not considered to be an essential service, as alternatives are available

Dairies can remain open, with a one-in-one-out rule, and cannot sell cooked food. You can download a 'one at a time in our store please' poster from our resources page

Liquor stores must close to the public unless they are in Licencing Trust areas. Open premises in Licencing Trust areas can operate with a one-in-one-out rule.

Food delivery is prohibited except for supermarket deliveries. Meals-on-Wheels and alternative meals on wheels services that have been referred from a DHB, ACC or MSD may operate and whole-food delivery may continue to operate (eg subscription food boxes are okay)

Pest management may be undertaken only where required for human health and safety, and it is essential during the Alert Level 4 period. However, operators must ensure people have somewhere safe to go while the process is underway, in particular where a property is being vacated

Campgrounds may continue to operate under very strict protocols and management of access. Eg contact to be maintained only with people staying in the same abode/room; common social and recreation areas to be closed; split shift access to common areas

Backpacker accommodation providers may continue to operate under very strict protocols and management of access conditions. Eg contact to be maintained only with people staying in the same room; common social and recreation areas to be closed; split shift access to common areas

Butchers, bakeries and similar small-scale food retailers are considered non-essential, as similar products are readily available in supermarkets

Furniture moving, in general, is not considered to be essential. However, as the deadline for domestic travel has been extended until midnight Friday 27 March, anyone in the process of moving house will need to complete their move before the end of Friday. Similarly, all furniture deliveries currently in transit would need to be also be delivered by the end of Friday

Natural health services are considered non-essential

Security is considered an essential service, even if security services are being provided in relation to a premise for a non-essential service

Self-storage facilities can operate only to facilitate access for essentials. New sales or expiries of units are considered non-essential. Access to existing lockers is permitted for essential items or services only, eg fridges

Critical support services to ensure businesses and workers can continue working from home are considered to be essential. This includes functions such as IT and Payroll

Rental cars may be accessed in some circumstances. Ministry of Transport has put out documentation on essential transport logistics and services. Please refer to the Ministry of Transport website(external link)

Every restaurant, café and bar must close all aspects of their operation

Self-service laundries can stay open, with 2-metre physical distancing to be enforced

The Warehouse must close

Bunnings, Placemakers, Mitre 10 and other retailers essential to the supply chain for building and construction can stay open to trade customers for essential purposes only

The Tiwai Point smelter is exempt from closure

NZ Steel is to shut down in a way that allows for production to recommence easily

Pulp and paper plants are to shut down their non-essential elements in a way that allows for production to recommence easily, and while maintaining essential production

Methanex can remain in production, but at a scale consistent with the stability of gas supply.