Despite the government lockdown due to the coronavirus, the Imperial Tobacco factory in Petone is still operating, reports Newshub.

New Zealand’s government has enacted the highest coronavirus alert level, in order to prevent the virus from spreading, essentially sending businesses countrywide into lockdown. In criteria set out by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), only businesses classified as essential for maintaining the wellbeing of people are allowed to remain open.
However, it looked as though the Imperial Tobacco factory in Petone was operating as usual, as staff were seen arriving and lights were on, according to news site stuff. A spokeswoman for Imperial, Louise Evans McDonald, said the MBIE had approved the factory’s operation during the lockdown to ensure continued supplies of “fast moving consumer goods”.
"Imperial can supply the demand safely. The number of factory staff has been reduced and are working to a production layout and shift format that maintains physical distance between them," she said.