National supports the Government's decision to move the country towards Level 4 of the Covid-19 alert system over the next 48 hours and to extend the economic package for all businesses is being welcome by Simon Bridges.

'This is an unprecedented situation and we support any measures that will protect the health and safety of New Zealanders," says the Tauranga MP and leader of the opposition.

'I understand that this will be a worrying and stressful time for New Zealanders. I encourage everyone to stay calm and follow the rules that are now in place.

'We will work in a supportive and constructive way with the Government in the interests of bringing New Zealand through this crisis together.

'I have offered the Government the services of our MPs and staff to assist where we can.

'We are pleased to see the cap lifted for all businesses to receive support. This is the right thing to do.

'We want to do all we can to protect the health of New Zealanders and ultimately our economy and livelihoods.

'The Opposition will continue to play an important role to ensure the best decisions are being made in the interests of all New Zealanders.”

National puts campaign on hold

Simon has asked all MPs and candidates to put campaigning on hold.

'This morning I have asked all of our MPs to suspend any form of campaigning.

'Our MPs and candidates will still be in their communities offering help and advice to their constituents, giving out important information and advocating for them.

'I have offered the Prime Minister my full support during this crisis, providing they move expeditiously enough. We will work in a supportive and constructive way in the interests of New Zealanders.

'I have also offered the Government the services of our MPs and staff to assist where we can.

'We want to do all we can to protect the lives and livelihoods of New Zealanders.

'In the past 24 hours I have been inundated with calls from doctors, health professionals, scientists and teachers all wanting the level to be raised.

'We will support the Government where we can. But we won't always agree and we will continue to let the Government know when we don't.

'The Opposition will continue to play an important role to ensure the best decisions are being made in the interests of all New Zealanders. We won't be campaigning for the foreseeable future, however.”