Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. More COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions to Be Eased in New Zealand Phil Mercer SYDNEY - By the end of this week New Zealand will have some of the world's most relaxed COVID-19 controls. Gatherings of up 100 people will be permitted starting Friday (May 29), up from the previous limit of ten people. New Zealand has had about 1,500 reported or probable coronavirus infections. 21 people have died. .