The details of level two are being seen as positive but not without challenges for central Auckland businesses.

Hairdressers and retail stores can open again, but surfaces must be cleaned and physical distance should be kept. Malls can open and be treated like supermarkets are now, including with appropriate PPE where needed.

Hospitality, including cafes and bars, can open but that meant only businesses that can apply the three Ss.

The first is 'seated' - entry is only allowed for the number of people who can be seated, which will prevent congestion.

The second S is separation. There has to be space between people and tables, for example, and each table must have a single server (third S), and service must be at the table rather than the counter.

Heart of the City's Viv Beck told Heather du Plessis-Allan many of the businesses that have been the worst affected are the ones that add the heart and vitality to the city centre.

"For many, those restrictions are still going to make it difficult for them. I'm thinking obviously the hospitality, the entertainment sector, arts and culture, retail."

The Government had worked with the sector on the three Ss, and decided it was a better approach to level 2 rather than choosing what type of businesses can and cannot operate.