The COVID-19 testing station in Tauranga has been busy today as the nation prepares to hear whether or not we leave alert level four on Wednesday.

New Zealand was placed into lockdown four weeks ago amid rising COVID-19 numbers.

The lockdown is scheduled to run until midnight Wednesday.

In the last week, the number of COVID-19 cases confirmed per day has continued to drop, while the number of recovered cases continues to increase.

Today New Zealand's total number of COVID-19 cases has increased by nine, made up of seven new confirmed cases and two new probable cases.

The new combined total of confirmed and probable cases in New Zealand is 1440.

There are no additional deaths to report and the total number of COVID-19 related deaths remains at 12.

A woman who went through the drive-through assessment centre in Tauranga today says she had to wait in line for more than an hour.

She believes there needs to be more testing for people's confidence, especially for those who will return to work if the lockdown is lifted.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will make the announcement at 4pm today about whether or not the lockdown will be lifted on Wednesday as planned or if it will be extended.

SunLive will be livestreaming her announcement, along with the latest update from the Ministry of Health.