Parts of Waikato are in alert level 3 until Monday night while Auckland is currently at step 1 of easing level 3. He said the alert level system worked well and needed an upgrade, but instead the government presented a new approach for Auckland. "Confusingly they went step 1, 2, 3, up the steps, whereas the alert level system we got used to moving down the scale." Hipkins said the fact vaccination rates in Northland were low was also a factor in the decision to raise the alert level. And of course, vaccination centres continue to be open in alert level 3.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 08, 2021 16:00 UTC