Opposition leader Simon Bridges says the government's decision to extend lockdown shows it has not done the groundwork required to have New Zealand ready for loosening restrictions.
Posting on his Facebook page, he said New Zealand is being held back because the government has not used this time to ensure best practice of testing and tracing, and the availability of PPE hasn't been at the standard it should have been.
Mr Bridges said he is sure many New Zealanders feel frustration that we still cannot do many things Australians have done through the entire lockdown period, at great cost in terms of jobs and livelihoods, with similar health outcomes.
He said he's now worried the harm of staying in lockdown will be greater than if we were to come out.
He says we will no doubt see a rise in mental health problems and stress related illnesses.