A little reprieve for Aucklanders -- but there's still question marks over Christmas plans

Come Friday -- Northland, Auckland, Taupo and Rotorua Lakes Districts, Kawerau, Whakatane, Opotiki, Gisborne, Wairoa, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts .... will all begin at red.

The rest of the North Island, and the whole South Island, will move in at Orange.

Epidemiologist Michael Baker thinks the choices are a reasonable balance.

But he doubts Auckland in particular will change lights before Christmas -- given the current outbreak.

Baker would be a lot more comfortable if the region stays at red -- because people will leave to visit family and friends across the country.