Five Auckland business associations want the city to move to step 3 of alert level 3

Auckland has been in step one since the step system was announced at the start of October.

A drop to step three would mean hospitality, event facilities, hairdressers and retail could open with restrictions.

The city centre, Newmarket, Parnell, Ponsonby and Takapuna business associations have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister.

Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Knoff-Thomas says businesses are struggling more than ever.

He says they're frustrated, as businesses and customers are doing everything they're meant to - they have everything they need in place to trade safely.