Covid 19
Mixed mood in NZ elite sport after border changes announced
There's a mixed mood among New Zealand's elite sports community as athletes and officials digest the major border changes announced by the government.
While news of MIQ-free returns from mid-February… Audio
Northland DHB boss quashes anti-vaxxers' rumours he's unwell
Northland DHB's boss has quashed rumours started by anti-vaxxers falsely claiming he's critically unwell after a Covid booster shot. Video, Audio
Rangatahi go door-to-door to boost Taranaki Māori vax rates
Groups of rangatahi are going door-to-door in towns and suburbs with high Māori populations in Taranaki to try to boost flagging vaccination rates.
About 77 percent of Taranaki Māori have had a first… Audio
From the Cook Islands to Southland, in search of jobs
More Cook Islanders have arrived in New Zealand, leaving family in exchange for financial stability and a new adventure. Audio
Auckland hairdressers take up blades to tackle lockdown locks
Auckland hairdressers and barbers have finally been able to pick up their scissors again and tackle the wild lockdown locks.
They're among the first businesses in the country to trial the new… Video, Audio
South Canterbury latest DHB to reach 90pc first doses
South Canterbury has become the latest district health board to pass 90 percent first doses for the Covid-19 vaccine.
The Panel with Mark Sainsbury and Moata Tamaira (Part 1)
Panellists Mark Sainsbury and Moata Tamaira discuss Judith Collin's exit from the National Party, Auckland can finally get haircuts, and if it's reasonable to charge a fee for Christmas dinner. Audio
Covid-19: West Coast workshops prepare community for self-isolation
Community workshops are under way to help West Coast residents prepare for Covid-19.
Covid-19 update: 178 new community cases today, one more death
The Ministry of Health is also reporting that there are 77 people in hospital, including eight people in ICU.
International language sector says border reopening date for students too late
The government's decision to let vaccinated foreign students back into the country from 30 April has disappointed and frustrated some in the international education sector.
Vaccine pass helpline swamped by calls as thousands eye traffic-light travel
Long waits, cut-offs, and unanswered messages are leaving callers to the Covid-19 vaccine pass helpline helpless.
Kiwis stranded in Australia eager to return home as MIQ restrictions ease
Stuck for months in a motorhome in Queensland, Sue Norton and her husband now have a firm date for returning home.
Covid-19 wrap: MIQ changes and traffic light legislation
There were 215 new Covid-19 cases announced today, the country's most restrictive border controls will be eased early next year, and MPs pass traffic light legislation.
Māori health leaders criticise govt data hesitancy after vaccination info released
Leading Māori health professionals are appalled the Ministry of Health has delayed releasing all available vaccination data to Māori that could be crucial to their survival.
Red StagTimber offers cash incentive for double vaxxed workers
A Rotorua timber company is dishing out big bucks in a bid to get as many workers possible double dosed.
Lake Waikaremoana off limits as Tūhoe tries to raise vaccination rates
One of the country's Great Walks is off limits while the iwi that has responsibility over the area tries to get vaccination rates up. Audio
Tonga unable to repatriate stranded RSE workers till 2022
A Tongan official says the country is doing all it can to bring home about 700 workers stuck in New Zealand, but will wait till it is safe. Audio
Mandate legislation pushed through Parliament amid fierce opposition
Legislation that will replace the current alert levels with the traffic light system has passed its final reading in the House.
Wānaka A&P show to go ahead
One of the South Island's biggest agricultural shows will go ahead next year, bucking the trend of widespread cancellations of A&P shows around the country.
Food exporters' vaccine mandate put on ice
The introduction of a vaccine mandate for food exporters is on ice for now, with the sector instead being encouraged to use a new assessment tool that'll be released next month.
