Covid 19
Covid-19 update: Another 20 deaths, 12,383 new cases
Another 12,383 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported, and a further 20 deaths.
Officers sent to quell Parliament protest with 'gardening gloves', borrowed gear
Police officers have described fearing for their lives when sent to evict protesters on the last day of the Parliament protest without appropriate gear.
Budgeting services face funding cuts from the government
Free budgeting services are bracing for a drop in funding right as the cost of living crisis hits and a recession knocks on our door.
The Ministry of Social Development funds 131 budget advisor… Audio
Parliament protest: Nothing to apologise for - police commissioner
Andrew Coster says he would not have done anything differently, despite an IPCA report noting faults in the police response.
Police welcome IPCA report into handling of Parliament protest
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says he is immensely proud of the work of staff throughout the protest.
Think tank says NZ was 'woefully underprepared' for Covid
On the same day the police watchdog's report into the force's handling of last year's protest and three-week occupation of parliament is being released, a think tank's report into the government's… Audio
Are you getting your bivalent Covid vaccine booster?
We're riding a fourth wave of Covid with experts warning of increased pressure on our already overloaded hospital system. 14,000 people tested positive this week.. that's up 2000 on the week before… Audio
No sign of abandoned boat owner one year after vessel washed up
An East Coast harbour master is calling for changes to the country's boat ownership rules after a man abandoned his vessel and successfully evaded authorities for 12 months.
Covid-19 update: 14,242 new cases, 21 new deaths
A further 14,242 cases of Covid-19 have been reported with 21 more deaths related to the virus and there are also 363 people in hospital. Audio
Prof. Michael Baker warns against complacency in fourth wave
Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker warns the country is in the grip of a fourth wave of Covid19. Professor Baker says if we don't act to restrict the spread of the virus, up to 10,000 people could… Audio
'It's the first distinct rise' - Fourth wave of Covid-19 is here, says Baker
Epidemiologist Michael Baker says that the country is experiencing its fourth wave of Covid-19 infection and warns people to stay vigilant.
National leader presses case for trusting people on Covid-19 isolation
Christopher Luxon says he only spent a week in isolation when he caught Covid-19 because it was mandatory. Audio
'Overly cautious': Opposition criticises retention of Covid-19 isolation period
New Zealand is being labelled a global oddity and "Hermit Kingdom redux" by opposition parties over the government's decision to extend the Covid-19 isolation rules.
32 new health sector roles added to Straight to Residence pathway
Watch: Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has announced 32 new health sector roles are being added to the Straight to Residence pathway of the Green List to help prepare the health system for the coming… Audio
Current Covid-19 restrictions to remain for now
Most rules have been scrapped, but people still have to self-isolate for seven days if they test positive, and masks must be worn in hospitals in some circumstances. Audio
Health Minister details govt decision to keep Covid isolation
The government has decided to keep the seven-day isolation period in place for those who test positive for Covid-19.
It will be reviewed again in two months' time. Health minister Ayesha Verrall… Video, Audio
Covid 7-day isolation for positive cases to stay in place - Hipkins
The seven-day isolation period for people testing positive for Covid will stay in place for at least the next two months.
Most of the Covid rules were scrapped in September, but the isolation period… Video, Audio
Covid-19 update: Further eight deaths, 12,129 new cases
There were 12,129 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Aotearoa in the week to midnight Sunday, and a further eight deaths.
Now 'as good a time as any' to lift Covid-19 isolation rules - expert
Restrictions specific to Covid-19 - and not other diseases - cannot last forever, Michael Plank says. Audio
Epidemiologist says minimal risks to scrapping iso rules
An epidemiologist says scrapping the 7-day Covid isolation period would lead to more cases and deaths in the short term, but long term - the risks are minimal.
The government is today deciding… Audio
