Independent fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers will be able to operate under the revised Alert Level 3 guidelines.
The primary produce retailers were forced to close during lockdowns earlier this year despite their pleas to stay open.
“For me, it felt a little bit unfair that done the right way we should be able to provide that service for people,” Little Fish Co’s Andrew Brown said.
“We think they're at least as responsible as corner dairies that provide the public with a service in terms of providing fresh food and protein,” NZ Pork’s David Baines added.
Months later, the Government has had a change of heart.
Primary produce retailers will now be allowed to operate if New Zealand returns to Alert Level 3 restrictions.
The businesses affected were not informed of the change, however.
“It's just a real shame that the Government didn't make this change earlier and they also haven’t openly admitted their mistake transparently,” ACT Deputy Leader Brooke Van Velden said.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said food and beverage is a priority in any resurgence scenario.
“Sustaining the production and supply of food and beverage will continue to be a priority in any resurgence scenario,” he said.
Hipkins said the website was “updated as we’ve learned more about the virus.”
He concedes there are effects to the supply chain when multiple outlets are closed, pointing to wasted food and risks to animal welfare.
Commercial farms supply pigs to market on a weekly basis, and normally do not have spare holding capacity. The old restrictions meant an extra 5000 pigs every week.
Baines said the updated restrictions “will certainly alleviate the risk of us having a build up of animals on the farm which could result in a welfare crisis if we didn't have a solution like this”.
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