Auckland car dealers set to finally reopen their doors

With yesterday’s confirmation of Auckland moving ‘in principle’ to move into ‘Alert Level 3.2’ next week, car dealerships across Auckland and Waikato will be breathing a sigh of relief at the notion of being able to finally open up their doors for business.

The move is set to take place tonight in Waikato at 11.59pm, with Auckland following suit next week at 11.59pm on Tuesday, November 9. Although, cabinet could decide to re-negotiate times if it sees fit. 

The move will allow select retail operations to open to physical customers, in some cases for the first time since the Delta-strain outbreak began. Locations will need to adhere to strict limits on the number of patrons allowed indoors. 

In the case of Auckland’s car dealers, most have operated with an online sales model while being unable to open. While some have managed to thrive in terms of sales (Tesla, for example, recorded its best month of deliveries ever in September), others will no doubt welcome the news.

Dealers that will open under Alert Level 3.2 will need to ensure that all staff and all customers wear a face mask, social distancing of 2 metres between each person remains, customers are encouraged to sign in or use the Covid Tracer app, and hand sanitizer is available. 

Along with car dealers, gyms, shopping malls, food courts, libraries, museums, will also be able to open under Alert Level 3.2. Outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people can also take place, an increase on the current limit of 10. Auckland’s border restrictions will also remain in place.