3. Question No. 3—Prime MinisterTODD MULLER (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime MinisterQuestion No. 3—Prime Minister3. TODD MULLER (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister: What new information if any was provided to Cabinet today to inform the discussion for a move to level 1?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Today Cabinet considered the time line for future papers on the move to alert level 1. As I indicated this morning a paper will be brought on 8 June on the basis of our ongoing success in managing COVID-19 and the fact our team of 5 million has exceeded expectations. Todd Muller: Was there substantive discussion at Cabinet today over moving to level 1 today?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I've indicated the substantive discussion related to the bringing of a paper on 8 June. The member will recall that in my post-Cabinet press conference—I believe it was a week ago—I indicated that was a time line that we would be working to. I broadened out though the original suggestion that 8 June was just around the level 2 settings to now include a review of whether or not we are ready to move to level 1.Todd Muller: What was the specific advice if any Cabinet received today on whether to move to level 1?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I will refer the member to the criteria that we will consider on 8 June as we have considered every time. Those criteria are the number of cases which the member will have been able to see as well as I have: that we have had zero cases for 11 days now; we also have seen a reduction in active cases. So on that basis we started discussing last week with the Ministry of Health whether or not we should bring forward our consideration of alert level 1. We also consider things like economic ramifications the readiness of the public health system contact tracing and compliance issues. These are all in the public domain.Todd Muller: Will she release the advice received over the pathway to level 1 because of the high public interest in this issue?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: The criteria that we use for consideration of alert level movements are already in the public domain. When it comes to the specific decision we proactively release Cabinet papers after they've been considered and that will happen on 8 June. Todd Muller: Why won't she release the information discussed today as to why we are not in level 1 today? Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Cabinet has not considered the move to level 1. Once we have considered the move then we release the decision and the information. What I signalled today is we have brought forward that decision making. We've always said that based on the evidence that we have we are willing to bring forward our consideration. The member can see as well as I can that we have had ongoing zero case days. That gives us confidence to reconsider the time frames. I will say again though: moving earlier than that there is still ongoing concern amongst the scientific community around asymptomatic transmission. It is worse for business if we move backwards rather than continually moving forwards. So we will continually balance our decision making.Todd Muller: What is her response to the Deputy Prime Minister who was reported this morning saying that alert level 2 restrictions have to be discussed: It would be very difficult if it's not a matter of discussion because of what happened a day before Cabinet."Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: The events around vigils and gatherings have absolutely nothing to do with the evidence base we have used for our decision making all the way through the management of COVID-19. The second point I will make is we currently have some of the most liberal settings in the world right now because of the effectiveness of our strategy to date. And for that I thank New Zealanders.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Could I ask the Prime Minister as to whether it's her view that caucus—or for that matter having Cabinet as well—leaking like a sieve is not very good for party unity and Government unity. SPEAKER: Order! Order! Rt Hon Winston Peters: What's wrong with that?SPEAKER: Very clearly there are some areas that are the Prime Minister's responsibility and leaking from caucuses is not one of them.Hon Chris Hipkins: What would be the risk of moving with urgency to reopen the border to countries such as China as proposed last week by the Leader of the Opposition?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: The basis of us moving to level 1 is contingent on us maintaining strict border controls. That continues to be one of our biggest risks. Maintaining those border controls actually gives New Zealanders freedom of movement and means we don't have to live with restrictions. [Interruption] SPEAKER: Order! Sorry I'm just going to remind the Hon Louise Upston yet again that when she interjects her voice comes through her leader's mikes. If she can't remember I'm going to ask the whips to find a place for her which is not directly behind the leader so we're not all subjected to her interjections at that volume.Todd Muller: How does she expect New Zealanders to follow social distancing rules when her Deputy Prime Minister has publicly stated we should be in level 1 now?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: The fact that we have different opinions on this issue has not meant that anyone in the Cabinet has deviated away from upholding the rules that are in place or the expectation around the rules. What I will say is unlike perhaps some are modelling on the other side of the House we are very aware of each other's opinions and we talk openly about them before we talk publicly about them.Todd Muller: What part of the Deputy Prime Minister's recent comments on COVID-19 doesn't equal deviation from your view?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again to answer the member's question he implied that the member was breaking the rules.Todd Muller: Does she agree with her Deputy Prime Minister that in respect of COVID-19 we have and I quote "been too cautious for far too long now?"Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: The member runs the risk of me bringing up all of the differing opinions that sit within his one party. You happen to be asking questions about two different parties."