In Auckland, a city of some 1.6 million people, schools and businesses can reopen from Sunday, people can travel between regions and can attend gatherings of up to 100 people, up from 10.

The country reported just one new case of COVID-19 on Sunday, with a person in managed isolation testing positive for the virus that causes it.

"While it's encouraging to see another day without any community cases, we must all remain vigilant and continue to do our bit," the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Sunday.

The relaxed restrictions will be in place for at least five days before being reassessed.

In the rest of New Zealand, most COVID-19 restrictions were lifted on Sunday, though people will still be required to wear face masks on public transport.

Auckland was forced back into a lockdown after a new community case was detected on February 27.

At the time, health officials were unable to link it to any other case in the country.

New Zealand has reported 2043 cases of COVID-19, including 72 active ones, and a total of 26 deaths.

Australian Associated Press