Morning Report

The international screen industry is turning its focus to New Zealand as a safe location, thanks to its success - so far - in containing Covid-19.

It's hoped other sectors hit hard by the pandemic - including hospitality, construction and transport - could piggyback on a boom in film.

Ruth Hill reports.

Traffic will be picking up around the country this morning on the first day of Alert Level 2.

While schools don't fully open until next Monday, thousands will be returning to work today for the first time in weeks.

The Transport Agency's system manager, Mark Owen, is here to give us the latest.

As the country emerges from a frozen economy, the government must decide how much to tax and how much to spend.

In today's budget, Finance Minister Grant Robertson will lay out his plan to get New Zealand going again, following the chaos wrought by Covid-19.

RNZ business editor Gyles Beckford, and political editor Jane Patterson speak to Corin Dann.

From today you'll be able to go shopping, dine in at a restaurant or cafe, go to the library or the gym, and take your kids to the playground as the country enters Alert Level 2.

The last two days have recorded no new cases of the virus, but the Prime Minister has warned that while we may have "won the battle... we have not won the war."

Physical distancing is still required and most gatherings are limited to 10 people.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield speaks to Susie Ferguson.

It's the first morning of Alert Level 2 after nearly seven weeks of strict lockdown protocols in New Zealand.

This means most people can go back to work with almost all businesses except for bars allowed to open.

However, physical distancing still applies.

RNZ spoke to Kiwis eager to return to work.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Wellington-based company Weta Digital is one of the few major visual effects facilities around the world to remain open, with Covid-19 hitting the industry hard overseas.

As its executive producer David Conley told reporter Ruth Hill the company treated the threat seriously from the outset.

It's a Budget Day unlike any other. The government won't be unveiling its economic plans for the year, but the first step in its plan to start picking up the pieces left by Covid-19.

Entitled 'Rebuilding Together,' the Budget will be all about protecting jobs and investing in core services.

The National Party is concerned the government will spend poorly, and the next generation of New Zealanders will be left footing the bill.

RNZ's political reporter Yvette McCullough has the details.

For some people, today marks the end of online workouts and backyard burpees.

Gyms are allowed to reopen under level two - though must adhere to the social distancing guidelines, and the limit of groups of 10 in classes.

One of those welcoming people back is Playground Fitness in Auckland.

Reporter Annabel Reid was there at 5am when the doors opened, and spoke to owner Rhys Jolly.

The tables are well apart from each other, everything has been thoroughly cleaned, and the doors will open at 7.30 this morning.

Now that the country has moved to Alert Level 2, the staff at Fidel's Cafe on Cuba Street, in Wellington, are ready and waiting for customers to come in, sit down and once again enjoy the atmosphere.

Owner Roger Young speaks to Corin Dann.