Food businesses located inside malls are confused about whether they will be able to operate under the Government's restrictions for alert level 3.
On Thursday Jacinda Ardern announced food delivery, drive-through and online shopping services will be allowed to reopen when New Zealand's alert level drops, but malls will stay closed.
Mad Mex owner James Tucker says he isn't sure what this means for his business.
"There's a bit of contradictory language used by the Prime Minister yesterday in that shopping centres must remain closed but that hospitality and retail can open if you've got sufficient procedures in place."
Of New Zealand's 18 Mad Mex stores, 13 are located inside malls and Tucker says it would be wildly unfair if they aren't allowed to do takeout or delivery.
Over a week ago the Council of Retail Property, which represents malls, sent the Government a proposal for how they could partially reopen under alert level 3. But company Chair Campbell Barbour says they haven't heard back.
"We didn't have any feedback and we're obviously quite concerned and I'd say disappointed," he said.
They are now renewing their plea to get their businesses reopened.
Other food businesses are asking the Government for financial support. They say being open for takeaways won't be enough to keep their businesses viable.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson says they are still figuring out if they can help with rent relief, but for now, they can't even stop them being increased.
"We are considering that we've made some interim steps early this week in that regard in terms of the legislative changes. But we need to look over all of that and how we support businesses to get through this.
"Our focus has been on those that are vulnerable but viable and we will continue to look at that."
A recent industry survey is predicting up to half of New Zealand's restaurants and cafes may be forced to close permanently if they don't receive extra help from the Government.
Julie White from the Hospitality Association says there could be anywhere from 80,000 to 120,000 job losses as a result.
Thai Chef in Parnell might be one of those companies whose doors will never reopen.
Owner Natttachai Changrattanachaichok says the rent is simply too expensive to cover the cost of being just a takeaway and delivery business.
Crave Cafe owner Nigel Cottell says reopening under the level 3 conditions: "won't make a profit but we will make much less of a loss".
"A healthy business that's operating well before lockdown should be able to trade its way out, and I think we're going to need some rent relief to help us in that."
Without it, the industry says it could be the end of half of our restaurants and cafes.
