New Zealand lifts lockdown as last coronavirus patient recovers

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that all coronavirus measures in the country will be lifted from Tuesday.

All social distancing restrictions will be dropped from midnight Monday, as the country moves to national alert level 1.

During a media briefing, Ardern said public and private events, retail and hospitality sectors, and public transport could resume normal operations  and go on without restrictions. 

It comes as there are no known novel coronavirus cases in the country for the first time since it was reported in February.

"While we’re in a safer, stronger position there’s still no easy path back to pre-COVID life, but the determination and focus we have had on our health response will now be vested in our economic rebuild," Ardern said.

"While the job is not done, there is no denying this is a milestone. So can I finish with a very simple 'Thank you, New Zealand.'"

Border closure restrictions will however continue to remain in place.