Covid 19

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.

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

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

There were 12,129 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Aotearoa in the week to midnight Sunday, and a further eight deaths.

Restrictions specific to Covid-19 - and not other diseases - cannot last forever, Michael Plank says. Audio

Most pandemic rules were scrapped in September last year, but a mandatory seven-day isolation period remains for those who test positive for the virus. Audio

Cabinet is believed to be reassessing Covid-19 restrictions in coming weeks, but a leading epidemiologist wants them to stay as they are.

Covid-19 is on track to kill some 1000 people this year and cause 10,000 hospitalisations, Professor Michael Baker says.

Prime Minister’s farewell speeches are rare events. We have photos, video and the full transcript of Jacinda Ardern’s valedictory address.

Jacinda Ardern will largely be remembered as the prime minister whose pandemic-era policies saved thousands of lives, according to former PM Helen Clark. Audio

There have been 12,202 new cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand over the past week and 25 further deaths attributed to the coronavirus.

Vaccine hesitancy remains a concern for medical professionals as the flu shot and Covid-19 booster become available to get together ahead of winter. Audio

The Prime Minister has had his flu and Covid vaccinations and is encouraging others to do the same.