There are calls for people to trust New Zealand as a food producer.

New World and Pak’n’Save have introduced limits on essential items during Covid-19, while Countdown has introduced limits on all products except fruit and vegetables.

Head of Foodstuffs North Island Chris Quin told Mike Hosking people think they just need to sneak in and get something for themselves.

"There isn't anything about this disease that should drive up our demand for these products, it just isn't necessary."

Quin says if everyone takes a little bit of responsibility we'll all be in better shape.

He says taking more than you need is unfair to others.

"We someone buys five or 10, that means that four or nine other people, and we don't think that's very New Zealand-spirit."