For businesses it's welcome news - not only a lifting of restrictions, but the offer of financial support for those suffering most.
On Mt Eden cafe Circus Circus' menu - takeaways and renovations. This busy business has been making the most of level 3 - and a move to level 2 will help, a little.
General manager Nixon Sherchan told Newshub the drop is "good for the country" but not necessarily great for business.
"For a business like us - we can survive but it's not ideal."
It's a huge sigh of relief for those who hadn't been able to open at all.
Mekong Baby owners Jackie and Marcin Kulak say it's "great news".
"It means we can open and we can operate and welcome all our lovely customers back so it's great news."
For businesses who're struggling the Government offered more relief - the COVID Resurgence Support Payment. Ardern says it's for those who need it most.
"The payment is available for businesses who've experienced a 30 percent drop in revenue over the seven day period."
Good for those battling on. For big events, it's a devastating blow - the Prada Cup Final is now postponed until next Friday, as large gatherings remain restricted.
Westpac chief economist Dominick Stevens says it's the right balance.
"We're actually finding that these elevated alert levels have less impact on the economy than expected and the benefit of keeping COVID-19 at bay really is quite high."
In Taranaki where positive cases visited New Plymouth two weeks ago, a move to level 1 is welcome.
They're looking forward to unlocking the lockdown, at least a little, from tonight.
