Initially, home improvement stores were classified as not essential for the supply of private households in Alert Level 4 which now applies in New Zealand. The regulation by the government stated that: "Bunnings, Placemakers, Mitre 10 and other retailers essential to the supply chain for building and construction can stay open to trade customers for essential purposes only." This has now been changed by the relevant Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Mitre 10 stores around the country have been supplying trade customers for essential services, as defined by the country's government, since Friday 27 March. Now the company announces to extend the provision of essential goods to retail customers too. It states that standard product pricing will be retained, with quantity limits applied where relevant to ensure as many people as possible can access the essential goods they need.