COVID-19 Alert System

The Alert System was introduced in March 2020 to manage and minimise the risk of COVID-19 in New Zealand. The system helps people understand the current level of risk and the restrictions that legally must be followed.

The measures may be updated on the basis of:

new scientific knowledge about COVID-19, and

information about the effectiveness of intervention measures in New Zealand and elsewhere.

The Alert Levels may be applied at a town, city, territorial local authority, regional or national level.

Summary table of the COVID-19 Alert Levels — updated 28 August 2020 [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Detailed table of the COVID-19 Alert Levels — updated 28 August 2020 [PDF, 1.6 MB]

What all Alert Levels have in common

At all levels, essential services including health services, emergency services, utilities and goods transport will remain up and running. Employers in those sectors legally must continue to meet their health and safety obligations.

At all levels, if there is another emergency, follow normal emergency procedures. Emergency evacuation orders will override COVID-19 Alert System requirements to stay at home.

Dates when different Alert Levels came into force

COVID-19 Alert Level 2 came into force on Saturday 21 March 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 3 came into force at 1:30pm Monday 23 March 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 4 came into force at 11:59pm Wednesday 25 March 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 3 came into force at 11:59pm Monday 27 April 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 2 came into force at 11:59pm Wednesday 13 May 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 1 came into force at 11:59pm Monday 8 June 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 3 came into force for Auckland region at 12 noon Wednesday 12 August 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 2 came into force for all regions except Auckland at 12 noon Wednesday 12 August 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 2 (with extra restrictions) came into force for Auckland region at 11:59pm Sunday 30 August 2020.

COVID-19 Alert Level 1 came into force for all regions except Auckland at 11:59pm Monday 21 September.

State of National Emergency

A State of National Emergency was declared due to COVID-19. It was in force between 12:21pm on 25 March 2020 and 12:21pm on Wednesday 13 May 2020.

It covered all of New Zealand including the Chatham Islands, Stewart Island and other offshore islands.

The declaration was made by the Minister of Civil Defence Hon Peeni Henare in consultation with the Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern following advice from the Director of CDEM.

Extensions to state of emergency

Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, a state of emergency expires 7 days after it’s declared unless it is terminated or extended.

The State of National Emergency was extended at: