The Government's been forced to clarify that some greengrocers, butchers and bakers can go back to work but only if they sell to the public online.
There was public alarm over food being dumped because butchers and other similar services weren't considered essential.
Butcher Mike Hanson was forced to throw away $23,000 worth of meat when the lockdown began, but now he's hearing he may be able to start online deliveries. But he says the process to find out whether his business is 'essential' has been "confusing".
"One minute we are allowed to do it one minute we're not," he told Newshub.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was forced on Monday to clarify that if butchers or greengrocers already have an online delivery offering, they're an essential service.
Newshub understands the Government will consider this week whether businesses who don't already have an online platform will be able to set one up.
"They could've just made it hard and fast, either you're open or you're shut. Some places have got a lot of meat wasted," Hanson says."
But while the Government hasn't confirmed what food businesses are essential, it has given some fashion companies the green light to operate online.
Hallensteins, Glassons and other specially selected fashion retailers have been given approval to sell essential winter items, but some websites are listing t-shirts among these clothing options.
Owner of Auckland's Taylor Boutique Vicki Taylor told Newshub she's now applied for her business to be essential too.
"Don't get me wrong, I want to open up my online store, it would give me some trickle of income that would allow us to get through these times. At the same time, [I'm] hugely conflicted because is that an essential piece you need?"
Some 'essential' items that are being sold online include makeup, high-heels, corsets, frangipani seeds and scented candles.
In a statement, MBIE told Newshub there are goods that shouldn't be offered for sale at this time including the likes of decorative candles, treadmills and high-end premium fashion clothing.
"I'm probably considered high end, but I'm high end because I manufacture in New Zealand," Taylor says.
Despite the loosening of some of the rules, Ardern hammered home the message that the lockdown remains in force.
"Now is not time to ease up, but rather the time for all of us to focus even harder on the mission we have," she said on Monday.
She says she doesn't want the country to stay in lockdown longer than needed, but made it crystal clear that even if we see positive signs, we are to stay home for the full four weeks - ruling out any early lift of the level four restrictions.
