Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the changes marked "a milestone" in the country's response and it was time to "safely turn the page" in our Covid-19 management.
"The most recent health advice now tells us that with the lowest cases and hospitalisations since February, our population well vaccinated, and expanded access to anti-viral medicines, New Zealand is in a position to move forward."
There were 1149 Covid-19 cases reported today, a further six deaths and 225 hospitalisations including three people who were in ICU.
The Covid-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) will end at 11.59pm on September 12. Here's everything you need to know about the changes.
Face masks
Face masks will no longer be required anywhere except when visiting some healthcare facilities like hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and aged-care residential facilities.
Some sites, like workplaces or marae, may ask people to wear a mask.
"This will be at their discretion and no longer a Government requirement. Please respect those who choose to keep wearing masks as a form of protection," Ardern said.
Masks are still recommended in confined places such as public transport or when visiting vulnerable people.
Isolation and testing
Only individuals who test positive for Covid-19 will be required to isolate for seven days.
This means household contacts no longer need to isolate. It is recommended household contacts take a RAT test every day for five days before going about their life as normal, the Ministry of Health said.
"In short, we now move on to a simple two requirements system of masks in healthcare settings and seven days isolation for positive cases only," Ardern said.
Vaccination mandates
All remaining Government vaccine mandates will end in two weeks' time - at 11.59pm, September 26.
Ardern said it would now be an employer's discretion as to whether they require their workforce to be vaccinated.
International travellers
Vaccination requirements will end for all travellers and air crew arriving in New Zealand from 11.59pm tonight.
People arriving at New Zealand airports from overseas will still receive free RATs and will be encouraged to test on day 0/1 and 5/6.
Covid-19 medicines
Covid-19 Minister Ayesha Verrall said today all New Zealanders aged 65 and over, and Māori aged 50 and over, would have automatic, free access to Covid antivirals if they tested positive for the virus.
Anyone who had three high-risk conditions was also eligible for free anti-viral medicines.
A further 40,000 courses of anti-viral medicines have been purchased by the Government and are expected to enter New Zealand in the coming weeks.
