The elderly have been hit the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic with many closed off to society during the lockdown.
New Zealanders over 70 were ordered to stay at home five days before the nationwide lockdown began due to being more at risk of serious illness or death if they did contract the virus.
Now for many elderly, their isolation is likely to continue well past the country's lockdown finishing point to continue to keep themselves safe from COVID-19.
John Stoddart hopes the pandemic doesn't last too much longer.
"We don't want to be left in what could be regarded as home detention," he says.
"We don't want to be in home detention for 12 to 18 months!"
So far his only contact with the outside world is through the lens of a laptop camera and his only outdoor adventure was to get the flu injection.
"I have to say it was just a real joy to have a trip in the car into Dunedin and back out to Mosgiel again."
Stoddart says he just wants a sense of freedom back in his life.
On Thursday Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the rules for alert level 3 which gives the elderly slightly more freedom.
While they are still "encouraged" to stay at home, family members may be able to come and visit.
If they do go out, the elderly are encouraged to take precautions and seek advice from friends, family or doctors about your plans.
Those who are still working are asked to do so from their homes.
Age Concern chief executive Stephanie Clare says the elderly is a "resilient group" and will get through the pandemic.
The organisation's CEO Simon Templeton previously encouraged families to keep in contact with their older relatives and friends.
"It is really important at this time that people stay in touch with their family members and their friends, so if there is an older person in your life - even if they are somewhere other than where you are living - do stay in touch with them," he said.
"Call them regularly, make sure they have the things that they need and if they don't, put things in place to make sure they have groceries, medication, that they have the care that they need."
So far six of New Zealand's nine COVID-19 related deaths have been rest home residents, and many have also had underlying health conditions.
