1. Budget 2020: Free school lunches to feed 200,000 kids

On May 14, the Government, in its 2020 Budget announced, promised to expand school lunch programme. State-funded school lunches will feed 200,000 children by the middle of next year, as the Government pledges to spend roughly $1 billion on New Zealanders in need.

2. Law change lets elected members and senior public officials to take coronavirus pay cuts

State Services Minister Chris Hipkins says a law change will allow MPs and elected officials to take 20 per cent pay cuts during the coronavirus pandemic. 

3. 2020 New Zealand Budget Wage Subsidy Scheme Extended By 8 Weeks, 

On May 14, the New Zealand government announced a new annual budget, with a total budget of $ 50 billion to help New Zealand recover from the epidemic. The money will be distributed in all walks of life and will provide targeted assistance to help New Zealanders cope with the economic crisis.

4. New Zealand moves out of State of National Emergency and a National Transition Period is now in place

The State of National Emergency across New Zealand has been lifted and a National Transition Period is now in place as the country prepares to move to COVID-19 Alert Level 2, Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare has announced. Putting a National Transition Period in place will support a nationally consistent and coordinated approach to civil defence emergency management activities, Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare has announced.

5. Christchurch's pools, libraries, adventure park and zoos to reopen in level 2

Christchurch's public swimming pools, art gallery, central library and some popular attractions will all reopen their doors within the next week.

6. NZME seeks urgent approval, help to buy Stuff for $1 'to help save jobs, newspapers'

On May 11, NZ Herald owner NZME said it still in a binding exclusive negotiation period as it seeks the Government's approval to buy rival publisher Stuff within three weeks, saying it is the best owner to save newspapers and jobs.

7. Air New Zealand adds domestic flights for Alert Level 2

Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the airline plans to operate around 20 per cent of its usual domestic capacity (compared to pre-COVID-19 levels) during Level 2.