News the alert level 4 lockdown is being extended surprised few in the regions.
Lads Nelson and Jesse were stoked the lockdown was extended. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
The announcement was well received in sunny New Plymouth with resident Clare saying it was a great decision.
"I think New Zealanders are doing a fabulous job of working as a whole for the greater good," she said.
In fact, lads Nelson and Jesse were stoked.
"It's pretty good, don't have to go to work and I get to ride round on my push bike, and the sun's out as well which is good," Nelson said.
"Lots of Xbox," Jesse said.
But another unnamed resident wasn't so keen.
"Can't say there's anything as stupid as [this lockdown]. We haven't had a case of Covid-19 in New Plymouth - I mean God! Just keep on keep on going for fear, fear fear."
But Dunedinite Michelle Sinclair said the decision was bang on.
She has watched from afar as the virus has killed quarter of a million people in her home country of Mexico - including those dear to her.
"I've had a lot of family members pass away ... we're just so lucky and so grateful to be here, I think it's just amazing how much freedom we've had and that we've been able to live pretty normal lives.
"And not the situation of anxiety and trauma that the world is experiencing overseas."
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said, while businesses in the region were hurting, there was agreement it is worth waiting.
"We have high deprivation and high, high health need in our community. So for us, we need to protect those people."
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said the small number of places of interest and cases in Wellington was because those infected were already locked down - in isolation - when they were contagious.
Meanwhile in the capital, Jonathan was having a crap time this lockdown, and the extension came as a blow.
"It sucks. Because we're flatting right now, it's just kind of a shitty arrangement, you know? We've got six people in the house that are all working remotely."
While Emily had no complaints about staying in lockdown a few more days.
"I mean, I kind of expected it, but I don't mind it."
She was having a good lockdown.
"I've got like a home gym set up, I'm saving a bit of money."
Most Wellingtonians RNZ spoke to expected Auckland and Wellington to stay at level 4 while the rest of the country drops down the levels come Friday.
Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce general manager Leeann Watson agreed staying put for now is the right thing to do.
She would like to see the settings changed so more business can open up under alert level 3.
"Sectors such as manufacturers, for example, who may be able to operate in a restrained way by having good social distancing, good hygiene practices and making sure that they do things differently, but being able to continue to bring in some income."
While there are no confirmed cases in the South Island, the mainland does have 120 contacts self-isolating at home.
Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult said a number were in his district, and he was happy with the extension.
"We are now going through the period where, if we do have cases, it will become obvious in the next few days.
"By the end of the week we should be starting to get over that bump, and if the South Island is to the point where we have no cases, I think that's the time we should think about cracking the door open again."
The government will announce alert levels for the whole country except Auckland on Friday.