Should the South Island be given the green light to re-open and drop to alert level 1?

The Government will today announce whether New Zealand's alert levels will stay, drop or go back up. The majority of imported and community cases are in Auckland.

Former director of public health Colin Tukuitonga told Kate Hawkesby the South Island should drop, regardless of what happens to Auckland and the rest of the North Island.

"I don't think there's any real compelling reason to keep them locked down, there is a small risk of Auckland introducing the virus but I don't think it's enough.

"I'd like to see them given some freedom."

Mr Tukuitonga adds he would be surprised if Auckland drops to level 1.