Angie Warren-Clark Labour MP

This column is about your unity, your sacrifice, and your success so far. We're showing that a team of five million, working together, really can take a huge step towards the goal of eliminating COVID-19 from New Zealand. Do not underestimate what you have achieved so far. The situation today could have been very different.

Now we have to finish the job. As you know, New Zealand will move out of Alert Level 4 after ANZAC Day, on April 28th. The Government would not have been able to make that decision without your efforts. Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint. As we move to Alert Level 3, let's not waste this chance to eliminate the virus by losing our focus or discipline. We're not out of the woods yet. Any complacency now can undo everyone's hard work.

Here are the golden rules for life at Alert Level 3.

1. Stay home.
2. Work from home if you can.
3. Make your business COVID-19 safe.
4. Stay local.
5. Keep your bubble as small as possible.
6. Wash your hands with soap often, and cough or sneeze into your elbow.
7. Stay home if you are sick.

Schools will reopen on 29 April, but remember attendance is voluntary – parents should keep children at home if they can. Our aim is to enter lockdown once, do it right, and hopefully never return. That's the best way to protect jobs and get our economy on the road to recovery, too. The discipline we have displayed at Alert Level 4 must now become the hallmark of our actions in Alert Level 3.

So although we will not commemorate ANZAC day as we usually do, give some thought to how you and your bubble can honour those who have served and paid the ultimate price. I intend to rise at dawn and stand on the Pāpāmoa shore in contemplation of the sacrifices made. Last year I was privileged to attend the ANZAC events on the Gallipoli Peninsula as a repre​sentative of Parliament in the Speaker's Delegation. You can visit my facebook page on ANZAC Day to view photo's of this humbling experience.

Kia kaha, take care, and let's finish the job.