It's a day of firsts for New Zealand

The country has moved into it's new Covid-19 protection framework dubbed the Traffic Light system, and vaccine mandates are in full effect.

Auckland, Northland, and much of the central North Island are in the Red setting - while the rest of the North and South Island are starting in Orange.

An employment relations specialists says while vaccines are now required for many workers, employments law still applies.

Employsure's Maddie McKenzie says employers should follow a fair consultation process with any employee who refuses which may include redeployment to role that doesn't require vaccination.