Auckland will move to level 3 step 2 restrictions on November 10.
It means from Wednesday restrictions will ease somewhat, allowing retail to open with social distancing, and groups of up to 25 people to gather outdoors.
Jacinda Ardern says the greater freedoms are possible due to Auckland's high vaccination rates.
The Prime Minister has also signalled the Auckland region is highly likely to end its level 3 lockdown and move to the new traffic light protection framework.
Auckland hospitality venues can now prepare to be open in December. At the red traffic light, venues using the vaccine passport can host 100 people, seated and separated.
Tricky Hartley owns The Conservatory on Auckland's Waterfront. He talks to Lisa Owen.
