New Zealand has reported a slight rise in new locally acquired cases of Covid-19 ahead of relaxing restrictions in all regions outside Auckland, its largest city, reports Reuters.

New Zealand has detected 21 new local cases, all in Auckland, up from 20 a day earlier.

Authorities have said schools, offices and businesses can reopen outside Auckland from Wednesday, but masks will remain mandatory in most public venues while gathering will be limited to 50 people indoors and 100 in outdoors.