National MP Collins, appearing on The AM Show on Friday, didn't seem impressed.

"It looks a lot like level 4 but with KFC, doesn't it? That's about it really... It doesn't look much good for a lot of businesses, but there will be some who will be saying, 'At least I can do takeaways.'"

Treasury analysis and some economists have said moving out of level 4 too early, and having to go back later on, would be more damaging to the economy in the long-term than staying in lockdown until local transmission of the virus has been stopped - something no other major nation has achieved, but is possible thanks to our geographic isolation.

"Why don't we celebrate how well New Zealanders have done in the last three weeks," said Labour MP Willie Jackson, appearing on The AM Show with Collins via video.

"I think it's been a magnificent effort... We're in a good place at the moment. We've got to manage this with a bit of care and listen to the experts."