We're in a very different place to where we were two years ago, before COVID arrived on these shores. As we move through our response to a global pandemic, I want to acknowledge just how critical the initial judgment of putting the health of our people first as a crucial part of safeguarding our economic response. Those judgments mean that we're in a position where high rates of vaccination mean it's now safe to ease our COVID-19 restrictions and operate under our traffic light system. All of this wouldn't have been possible without the hard work and sacrifices of New Zealanders in our communities and across essential services; we thank you all.