Checkpoint for Wednesday 23 March 2022

5:07 PM.The country's Covid-19 restrictions have been significantly loosened with most vaccine mandates and passes scrapped.

The government's also ditched capacity limits for outdoor gatherings and the… Read more Audio

5:11 PM.Hospitality businesses say they've been ''thrown a bone" with the rule changes - but fear they'll make little difference.

They'll soon be able to have 200 people in premises - but still with the… Read more Video, Audio

5:15 PM.The government is scrapping compulsory vaccination for teachers and school staff next month.

Mandates are also going for Police, Defence Force and businesses operating operating vaccine passes from… Read more Video, Audio

5:21 PM.The rain is falling again in Tairāwhiti, which is already in a state of emergency after 300mm of rain fell in 24 hours.

[embed]… Read more Video, Audio

5:25 PM.Many Auckland ferry commuters have been cut out of the government's half price public transport deal that kicks in next month.

As part of its plan to combat a cost living crisis, the government cut… Read more Video, Audio

5:33 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:36 PM.The inside party's just doubled in size and for outdoor sport stadiums it's spectator heaven with crowd limits pretty much gone altogether.

A relaxation of Covid restrictions mean in door venues can… Read more Video, Audio

5:40 PM.The government is scrapping Covid mandates for teachers despite low vaccination rates among primary aged children.

In a loosening of Covid restrictions, from Saturday there will be no outdoor… Read more Video, Audio

5:46 PM.A state of emergency is in place after torrential rain caused flooding, rescues and evacuations.

State Highway 35 - around the East Cape - was closed early on Wednesday morning because of slips, but… Read more Video, Audio

5:49 PM.As flooding strikes the East Cape, hundreds of people further north are grappling with soggy, smelly and expensive repair work in Auckland - and and an apparent shortage of commercial dehumidifiers.

… Read more Audio

5:53 PM.A Manawatū mural of "Wal and Dog" from Murray Ball's Footrot Flats has fallen mighty flat.

It was painted as part of the Manawatū Street Art Festival, but it went up without the consent of the family… Read more Video, Audio

6:07 PM.Air New Zealand has brought back 800 furloughed or former staff as the border soon reopens to tourists.

Today the airline also revealed it will be flying non-stop to New York City from September.

… Read more Video, Audio

6:14 PM.Sports fans are being welcomed back to stadiums from this weekend.

There are no limits on attendance at outdoor Super Rugby and Cricket World Cup games - but numbers at indoor netball venues will… Read more Audio

6:19 PM.Russian forces have destroyed over 90 percent of Mariupol - pummelling the the southern port city with rockets and missiles and cutting off access to electricity, water and supplies.

If Mariupol is… Read more Audio