Auckland mayor Phil Goff is welcoming "another step towards getting back to normality" in Auckland on the first day of alert level 3, step 2.

Retailers are opening their doors for an expected rush of pent-up demand, while museums, zoos and libraries are gradually re-opening.

Goff told RNZ's First Up with 92 per cent having had a first vaccination dose and 82 per cent fully vaccinated the Auckland region is getting towards its target to enter the traffic light system at the end of the month.

He anticipates a busy shopping day and was confident most people would be very aware of the risk of Covid-19 in the community.

Later today, Education Minister Chris Hipkins will give more details on whether Auckland primary and intermediate students will reopen next week.

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