Two well-known Auckland bakeries are among those keeping their doors open throughout the Government-imposed coronavirus lockdown as they are classed as "essential food providers".
Prime Minister Jacinda Arden addressed the country on Monday, revealing the nation had moved into COVID-19 alert level 3 and would rise to alert level 4 on Wednesday.
In her address, she explained that essential services like doctors, banks, service stations, supermarkets and pharmacies were the only businesses that would stay open.
"Non-essential businesses in New Zealand must now close. All bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries, playgrounds and any other place where the public congregate must close their face to face function," she said.
Takeaway services, including food delivery, were instructed to close their operations, while those in primary industries - including food and beverage production for supermarkets - were allowed to stay open.
"Those who are part of the food supply chain, who provide for our supermarkets, are part of our essential primary industry," said Ardern.
The Baking Industry Association of New Zealand shared an Instagram post on Tuesday, revealing the Ministry of Health confirmed bakeries to be an essential service.
"We come under both the Fast Moving Consumer Goods and the Primary Industries categories. Plus, we help to relieve pressure on the supermarkets," wrote BIANZ President Kevin Gilbert.
The BIANZ post said that bakeries were under no obligation to stay open, and those that do should follow safety guidelines, such as marking out two metre indications on the floor.
Most New Zealand bakeries and cafes have gone into lockdown ahead of the imminent lockdown, including Auckland haunts Bluebells, The Baker's Cottage and Olafs.
Two popular Auckland cafe and bakeries announced on Tuesday their decision to stay open for takeaway orders throughout the lockdown.
Point Chevalier eatery Daily Bread wrote on Instagram that from Wednesday, they'd be open for takeaway food only.
"Alongside sourdough loaves, we will also provide cooking staples, market produce, eggs, butter and bone broths," they wrote.
The Grey Lynn branch of cafe chain Bread and Butter echoed the sentiments, saying the bakery side of their business would continue to operate.
"We will be able to offer our bread and pastries and coffee to you through our Grey Lynn store. TAKEAWAY ONLY! Coffee beans and other essentials like eggs, milk, and hopefully fresh produce boxes will also be available," they wrote.
Many left comments on the respective posts, asking why the businesses chose to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is not essential. People can still go to the supermarket for bread. By opening, you are encouraging people to go out and be exposed. If our quarantine goes longer it's a lose lose situation for everyone," wrote a commenter on Bread and Butter's post.
"This is not essential. You are increasing the risk and ineffective of our self-isolation procedures," wrote another.
But others praised the move, excited at the prospect of fresh bread and produce during the enforced lockdown
"Sourdough hot cross buns are essential at a shitty time like this," one person commented on Daily Bread's Instagram post.
"Silver linings," wrote another.
Both bakeries have been approached by Newshub for comment.
It was announced on Tuesday that 40 more people have contracted the virus, increasing the combined number of confirmed and probable cases up to 155.
