New Zealand is in the COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the traffic lights.
Key components of the COVID-19 Protection Framework
- Vaccination
High rates of vaccination is New Zealand’s key tool in protecting people and minimising the spread of COVID-19, and central to the settings in the framework.
- My Vaccine Pass
My Vaccine Pass is the official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status for use in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Capacity limits
Similar to the Alert Level settings, the capacity limits specified are based on 1 metre distancing.
- Record keeping
QR codes issued by the NZ Government legally must be displayed in workplaces and on public transport to enable the use of the NZ COVID Tracer app for contact tracing.
- Localised protections and lockdowns
Under the framework localised lockdowns and protections can be used in addition to the three levels, if needed to control high rates of transmission.
- Location not specified
If your business, service, or activity is not captured specifically in the Framework you must follow the public health measures specified in the general settings.
Traffic Light
Everywhere in New Zealand is coded with a colour: red, orange or green. Depending on the colour designated to where you are, you will need to follow specific rules.
Red: At Red, we need to take action to protect our vulnerable communities and our health system from COVID-19. Scroll down to learn more.
Orange: At Orange, there will be community transmission of COVID-19, with increasing risks to vulnerable communities, and pressure on the health system. Scroll down to learn more.
Green: At Green, there is limited community transmission, and our health system is ready to respond. Scroll down to learn more.
Red
There are restrictions on where we can go at Red. But there are also everyday things that everyone can do. You can meet friends and whānau inside and outside, go shopping, access healthcare, attend school and travel.
You will be legally required to provide your My Vaccine Pass to enter places that have vaccination requirements in place under the traffic light system. This may include hospitality venues, events, gatherings and gyms.
You cannot be asked to provide your My Vaccine Pass to access basic needs services, such as supermarkets, public transport, and essential health care.
- Gatherings and visits at Red
Gatherings and visits, such as at home, church, and sport locations, can go ahead at Red, with My Vaccine Pass requirements and restrictions.
- Travel and accommodation at Red
You can travel around New Zealand and stay at accommodation at Red.
- Businesses and workplaces at Red
Businesses and workplaces can open at Red. Some workers may need to be vaccinated.
- Hospitality venues at Red
Hospitality venues, such as cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, can open at Red, with My Vaccine Pass requirements and restrictions.
- Shopping and services at Red
You can always access food, healthcare and other basic needs at Red, and visit other retail outlets.
- Events and public facilities at Red
Events can go ahead with My Vaccine Pass requirements and public facilities can open with restrictions at Red.
- Education at Red
Education can open at Red, but you may have to follow public health measures such as wearing a face covering.
- Moving, buying and selling your home at Red
You can move house, and buy or sell a property at Red.
- Sport and recreation at Red
You can play and watch sport and recreation at Red, with My Vaccine Pass requirements at some locations.
Orange
At Orange, there will be community transmission of COVID-19, with increasing risks to vulnerable communities, and pressure on the health system.
At Orange, people can continue to do everyday activities. There are restrictions to limit the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people. But you can go to work, school, gyms, church, restaurants, and many more places.
Most businesses can open with no restrictions on numbers if they choose to follow My Vaccine Pass requirements, and only allow people with My Vaccine Pass to enter.
If they choose not to follow My Vaccine Pass requirements, there will be limits on the number of people who can be in a venue at one time.
Gatherings and visits at Orange
Gatherings and visits, such as at home, church, and sport locations, can go ahead at Orange, with restrictions.
- Travel and accommodation at Orange
You can travel around New Zealand and stay at accommodation at Orange
- Businesses and workplaces at Orange
Businesses and workplaces can open at Orange. Some workers may need to be vaccinated.
- Hospitality venues at Orange
Hospitality venues, such as cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, can open at Orange with some restrictions.
- Shopping and services at Orange
You can always access food, healthcare and other basic needs at Orange, and visit other retail outlets.
- Events and public facilities at Orange
Events can go ahead and public facilities can open at Orange, with restrictions.
- Education at Orange
Education can open at Orange, but you may have to follow public health measures such as wearing a face covering.
- Moving, buying and selling your home at Orange
You can move house, and buy or sell a property at Orange.
- Sport and recreation at Orange
You can play and watch sport and recreation at Orange, with restrictions.
Green
At Green, there is limited community transmission, and our health system is ready to respond.
Many businesses and venues can choose to open with no restrictions on numbers if they follow My Vaccine Pass requirements.
If they choose not to follow My Vaccine Pass requirements, there will be limits on the number of people who can be in a venue at one time.
- Gatherings and visits at Green
Gatherings and visits such as at home, church, and marae can go ahead at Green.
- Travel and accommodation at Green
You can travel around New Zealand and stay at accommodation at Green.
- Businesses and workplaces at Green
Businesses and workplaces can open at Green with no restrictions.
- Hospitality venues at Green
Hospitality venues such as cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, can open at Green with no restrictions if everyone has a My Vaccine Pass.
- Shopping and services at Green
You can always access food, healthcare and other basic needs at Green, and visit other retail outlets.
- Events and public facilities at Green
Events can go ahead and public facilities can open at Green.
- Education at Green
At Green, all education facilities including early childhood centres, schools, kura and tertiary providers are open.
- Moving, buying and selling your home at Green
You can move house and buy or sell your home at Green.
- Sport and recreation at Green
You can play and watch sport and recreation at Green with no restrictions if everyone is fully vaccinated.
