Hospitality, tourism and events businesses are reeling from the sudden ramping up in alert levels and the economic ripples are spreading across the country.
Although Auckland will bear the brunt of its shift to Alert Level 3, the impact is spreading well beyond its boundaries as residents cancel travel plans.
Several conferences, including one on crisis readiness, have been postponed as has a major trade show that was due to open in Auckland on Monday morning with about 6000 people expected to attend.
The Art Deco Festival in Napier has also cancelled its opening day events on Wednesday and Queenstown tourism operators are fielding cancellations from Aucklanders unable to travel.
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