A red light for Auckland is a green light for businesses

Auckland moves into red on Friday, along with Northland, Taupo, Rotorua, Kawerau, Whakatane, Opotiki, Gisborne, Wairoa, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu.

The rest of the North Island and the South Island will move in at Orange.

Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett says it's a chance to to rectify some financial losses.

He says unfortunately, Auckland businesses only have three weeks before the city goes into holiday mode.

Businesses hard-hit by lockdown will receive a one-off payment of up to 24-thousand dollars to ease the transition into the new system.