Retailers are pleading with the government to ease alert level restrictions in Auckland and Waikato, allowing allow shops to open.

Cabinet meets today to decide whether to move the two regions out of alert level 3, step 1.

Retail New Zealand chief executive Greg Harford says business owners are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their mental wellbeing and their finances, while customers can't easily access the goods they need.

He's confident shops could open safely, with customers wearing masks, scanning in, and distancing.

Students at Macleans College in Auckland are being told to stay home after a support staff member tested positive for Covid-19.

The school announced on its website the staff member had not been in contact with any students, but all pupils will be taught remotely on Monday and Tuesday.

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