The list of cancelled events continues to grow after the government announced a ban on all gatherings of 500 people or more, whether indoors or outdoors.
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is one of the latest to cancel, joining music festivals, fairs, sporting and religious events. Schools and universities remain open.
The government is also promising to step up its enforcement of new travel restrictions.
Spot checks, fines and even deportation can be used to ensure that anyone arriving in the country - apart from those coming from the Pacific Islands - self-isolates for 14 days.
Health Minister David Clark speaks to Philippa Tolley.
