New Zealanders eager for their first taste of McDonald’s in more than a month have lined up in drive-through lanes well before dawn as Kiwis celebrate the end of their brutal lockdown.
On Tuesday, the New Zealand government lifted the most extreme measures of its response to COVID-19.
For many Kiwis that meant a return to work.
For others, it meant getting stuck into takeaway.
Jacinda Ardern’s government banned all restaurants from operating during the five-week level-four lockdown, making New Zealanders reliant on supermarkets and local dairies for their food.
With the restrictions lifted, many want straight for the golden arches.
In New Plymouth, the local McDonald’s store had customers waiting in line at the drive-through from 3.30am, according to Radio NZ.
And the lights come on again after 34 days…only 15 cars in the queue…#NZunlocked pic.twitter.com/9PyAopQTU3
— Tim Murphy (@tmurphyNZ) April 27, 2020
There were around 40 cars in a row, snaking outside the facility, when the store actually opened at 5am.
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop posted his McDonald’s and takeaway coffee haul on Twitter, saying “It’s hard to explain how good this tastes.”
What a morning. pic.twitter.com/YDRfy6V8bh
— Christopher Bishop (@cjsbishop) April 27, 2020
Just ordered a second https://t.co/OvY1T0LwiA
— Christopher Bishop (@cjsbishop) April 27, 2020
5.15am on the first day of Level 3 and it seems a few people missed their McDonalds! pic.twitter.com/AmyUQkuJ4G
— ArtzyG (@ArtzyG_TV) April 27, 2020
In Porirua, near Wellington, NZME reporter Jason Pine said there were 21 cars waiting to be served at 4:40am.
While Tuesday’s frivolity was an event out of the box, New Zealand has a problem with fast food.
And the lights come on again after 34 days…only 15 cars in the queue…#NZunlocked pic.twitter.com/9PyAopQTU3
— Tim Murphy (@tmurphyNZ) April 27, 2020
New Zealand is the third-fattest country in the OECD, with even worse figures for children, according to the organisation’s Obesity Update 2017.
But the shift to level three also returned many to their healthier habits.
Many New Zealanders also took their first chance to go surfing in a month on Tuesday morning after that pastime was also barred under the restrictions.
AAP
