Checkpoint for Wednesday 20 October 2021

5:08 PM.Thousands of teenagers in Auckland are going back to school next week for the first time in two months.

The government has given the green light for schools in alert level three regions, currently… Read more Audio

5:12 PM.Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins told Checkpoint it is “certainly a possibility” by Christmas that Aucklanders could have more freedoms while still being restricted within the regional Covid… Read more Video, Audio

5:20 PM.An Auckland man who travelled to Waiheke Island after testing positive for Covid-19 will be allowed to remain on the island, despite allegedly breaching multiple health orders.

The case is the first… Read more Video, Audio

5:24 PM.National says it would get rid of lockdowns once vaccination rates hit 85 percent, or on December 1 - whichever comes first.

Its 'Back in Business' plan would also boost the wage subsidy and… Read more Audio

5:38 PM.The Chief Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the MIQ system following a flood of complaints.

Judge Peter Boshier has received more than 800 complaints about the government-run system since… Read more Video, Audio

5:43 PM.A woman with Covid-19 has handed herself into police after fleeing quarantine in Auckland.

She was one of three alleged escapees in quick succession by people quarantining from the community.

Our… Read more Audio

5:52 PM.School is back on campus from Tuesday but only for a select few and under strict conditions.

And there is no end in sight for parents of primary students learning at home - Cabinet will review their… Read more Video, Audio

5:56 PM.Walk in vaccinations paired with free coffee and kai are on offer for students at Ara institute of Canterbury this week.

It's part of the the region's race to hit 90 percent for first doses by Labour… Read more Video, Audio

6:08 PM.It's hello classroom, goodbye online learning for Auckland and Waikato's year 11, 12 and 13 students.

Despite Auckland's high Delta case count, seniors can head back to school from next Tuesday. But… Read more Video, Audio

6:13 PM.From the end of November 300 health workers will be given spots in MIQ each month but the big question is who will get those spots.

The Ministry of Health will work with DHBs and Primary Health… Read more Audio