The Pacific nation was locked down for more than one month under "level 4" restrictions that were eased by a notch late last month.
It has continued to enforce strict social measures on many of its citizens and businesses, helping prevent widespread community spread of the virus.
New Zealand businesses including malls, cinemas, cafes and gyms will be allowed to reopen from Thursday (May 14) as tight restrictions put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus were further eased on Monday (May 11).
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the move to "level 2" restrictions will mean retail, restaurants and other public spaces including playgrounds can reopen from Thursday.
Businesses will be required to have physical distancing and strict hygiene measures in place.
Schools can open from next Monday while bars can only reopen from May 21, Ardern said.
Gatherings would be limited to 10 people.
The government will unveil its annual budget on Thursday (May 14), and has warned the country would run fiscal deficits for years while debt will increase to levels well beyond previous targets due to its economic support measures.
New Zealand will launch a contact-tracing app on Wednesday to help people track their movements as the country eases one of the..
