The government has produced a list of essential businesses.
This list may evolve over time.
| Sectors | Entities providing essential services (including their supply chains) |
| Accommodation | Accommodation services for essential workers and people who need to be isolated/quarantined |
| Border | Customs New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries |
| Building and construction | Building and construction related to essential services, critical infrastructure, or immediately needed to maintain human health and safety at home/work |
| Courts, tribunals and the justice system | Courts of New Zealand and tribunals. Critical Crown entities (eg Electoral Commission) |
| Education | At level 3 only: Schools and educational facilities (e.g. ECE centres) |
| Fast-moving consumer goods | Businesses involved in the supply, delivery, distribution and sale of food, beverage and other key consumer goods (but not takeaway shops) |
| Financial services | Banks, insurers and other financial institutions |
| Health | Hospitals, primary care clinics, pharmacies, medical laboratories, care facilities Ambulance services Mortuary services |
| Local and national government | Any entity involved in COVID-19 response or that has civil defence/emergency management functions Key public services |
| Primary industries, including food and beverage production and processing | Packaging, production and processing of food and beverage products Food safety and verification, inspection or associated laboratory services, food safety and biosecurity functions Veterinary and animal health/welfare services |
| Public safety and national security | Emergency services Security and intelligence services Justice system Public safety and national security roles |
| Science | Any entity (including research organisations) involved in COVID-19 response, hazard monitoring, resilience, diagnostics for essential services |
| Social services | Welfare and social services, including NGOs, which meet immediate needs (further guidance will be provided) |
| Transport and logistics | Transport services New Zealand Post and courier services Any small passenger service vehicle driver – including taxis and ride-share services |
| Utilities and communications, including supply chains | Electricity, gas, water, waste, fuel, telecommunication services, internet providers and media |
These businesses will continue working, but will put in place alternative ways of working to keep employees safe, including shift-based working, staggered meal breaks, flexible leave arrangements and physical distancing.