Morning Report

A brief update from the business sector.

New Zealand's largest courier company expects parcel volume to remain about 30 percent lower than usual when the country moves into Alert Level 3 next week.

That's despite a surge in demand from retail and hospitality sectors using courier services to get goods to customers during the lockdown.

Hamish Cardwell reports.

Businesses wanting to re-open next week when the country moves out of lockdown are trying to figure out what contact tracing they need to do.

The Government has said collecting information about customers and suppliers is crucial in the battle against Covid-19.

A software developer says officials need to set some minimum standards for how any information technology might work.

James Burnes from Safer Lines told our reporter Phil Pennington that includes protecting people's privacy.

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We've been talking to people about how they're handling life in isolation.

Actor Robyn Malcolm was supposed to have a new movie come out during lockdown, comedy This Town, but that's been put on hold for now.

She speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Some gym goers are still paying their membership rates in an effort to help businesses through the pandemic.

Gyms shut their doors under lockdown and will likely remain closed when the country moves to the Alert Level 3.

It's put enormous strain on the businesses - large and small - but as Anneke Smith reports, some are getting a leg up from their customers.

Wellington's Mayor is looking to get a series of city-wide events up and running as soon as it is safe to do so, to help the capital's coffee culture survive, along with its bars and restaurants and to keep attracting special events.

The Council has brought in a range of measures to help bolster business and re-invigorate the city post-lockdown and there is also a fund of $8 million to be invested in innovation and technology.

Wellington issues reporter Harry Lock has the story.

Freight companies are confident trade logistics and supply chains will operate effectively and efficiently once the Covid-19 alert drops to level three next week.

Alert Level 3 takes effect at midnight on Monday and will allow for the resumption of all freight movements and the restarting of log exports and other major exports that were not deemed as essential.

But there's a note of caution - shipping containers could be in short supply.

Andrew McRae reports.

Iwi in the Far North have joined forces to declare they don't want their region to move into Alert Level 3 next week.

They say the clear message they've received from communities is that people won't feel safe if Alert Level 4 is relaxed.

The Far North has seen community-based efforts to ensure people are following self-isolation rules.

Former Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira set the ball rolling by setting up teams to run checkpoints to ensure outsiders weren't sneaking into the region.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

The forestry industry is preparing to ramp up work next week as the country moves from out of Alert Level 4.

While deemed non-essential up till now, it will be allowed to operate when the country moves to Level 3 next week.

The president of the Forest Owners' Association is Phil Taylor.