Delta has weakened freight activity

With the COVID-19 Protection Framework (the “Traffic Light” system) in place and COVID-19 cases spreading insidiously across the country, economic activity this summer is looking likely to be slower than the 2020/21 summer. The removal of Red light restrictions on 30 December for everywhere besides Northland will offer some further economic relief for many businesses. However, the timing of this shift means that districts currently in Red will likely see less traffic over summer than they usually would, as people stay away from restrictions while they can. With lower levels of economic activity, freight volume movements are also expected to be lower.