Online marketplace Trade Me is now allowing sellers to list items in the newly listed ‘essentials’ category to make it easier for Kiwis to buy and sell the things they need while the country is on lockdown.

Lisa Stewart, Trade Me’s head of marketplace, said the company wants to make sure members are able to get the things they may need during isolation quickly and safely.

Stewart said the safety of buyers and sellers was Trade Me’s top priority and added that it is working closely with delivery partners and members to ensure everyone is following appropriate public health measures at every stage of the trade.

“All members must follow the government’s alert level 4 restrictions and our COVID-19 safe trading guidelines, and pricing of items must be in line with our National Disaster & Civil Emergency policy,” Stewart said.

Essential listings are live now, including heating equipment, medical supplies, baby gear, phones, computers, pet supplies, food, health and wellness products, and car parts. More is being added each day.

Stewart said the company has also put measures in place to ensure all trades are contactless.

“We recommend sellers use our ‘Book a courier’ service, eliminating the need to leave their house, and our courier partners are following strict contactless delivery processes.”

Payments must be made through Trade Me’s instant online payment service Ping or bank transfer.

Stewart said anyone not following these guidelines will likely have their account suspended.