Covid 19
Covid-19: Pfizer says booster shot promising against Omicron
Pfizer and BioNTech have said a booster jab of their coronavirus vaccine promises to be an effective defence against the new Omicron variant.
Deputy PM: NZ was never sending officials to Winter Olympics
It's a countdown to the 15th of December when Auckland's border will lift in time for the Christmas and Summer holidays. Yesterday the Government rejected criticism over Auckland's ongoing isolation… Audio
Faafoi cancelled all visitor visas for administrative convenience, lawyer argues
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi chose administrative ease over the rights of families and children, according to lawyers in the High Court.
Holiday parks need advice on how to deal with Covid-positive visitors
Holiday park and camping ground owners are worried about what to do if someone tests positive for Covid-19 during their stay, tourism chiefs say.
Covid wrap: Nats call for removal of Auckland border, DHBs set-up mini-MIQs
Bloomfield reveals Auckland border not necessary under new system, Luxon calls police and iwi checkpoints a waste of resources and district health boards set up mini-MIQS ahead of Auckland's exodus.
Early study suggests Omicron could evade Pfizer vaccine
An early study suggests the new Omicron Covid variant may be able to evade the Pfizer vaccine.
Scientists also believe Omicron can spread more easily and could out-compete Delta to become the… Audio
Gisborne mayor urges more testing after virus detected in waste water
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz is concerned about three waste water samples that came back positive for Covid-19, despite no known cases there. Audio
Gisborne Mayor urges locals get tested after wastewater result
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz has told Checkpoint Tairāwhiti locals are being urged to get tested for Covid-19 after another positive result in wastewater testing.
"We have asked the government to do… Video, Audio
More fireworks events cancelled across NZ under restrictions
The traffic light gathering rules have doomed many New Years' eve fireworks displays across the country.
The requirement to check vaccine certificates.. even in the orange light.. have poured cold… Audio
Govt was advised Auckland border could end as traffic light system began
Political pressure is building for Auckland's Covid boundary to be ditched immediately following revelations health officials recommended the invisible wall come down as soon as the traffic light… Video, Audio
Covid-19: Gisborne residents urged to get tested after third positive wastewater sample
The mayor of Gisborne has made an online appeal to anyone with Covid-19 symptoms to get tested after a third positive wastewater sample in the region.
Covid-19: 90 new community cases in New Zealand today
There are 90 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today, the Ministry of Health has reported.
Covid-19: Case numbers dropped more sharply than predicted
A Covid-19 modeller believes cases will rise again when Auckland's border reopens.
And he's recommending unvaccinated people get tested after they travel, as well as before as the law requires.
… Audio
Fake ID cards claim diplomatic immunity from vax mandate
Fake identity cards are being used by some people to claim diplomatic immunity from covid vaccination mandates.
The Education Ministry has warned schools and early childhood centres not to accept the… Audio
Health officials advised Auckland border could drop sooner
The government took a harder line than health officials advised when entering the traffic light system, leaving Auckland locked up for an extra 12 days.
The Ministry of Health said the border should… Audio
The uninvited Christmas guest: is New Zealand prepared for Omicron’s inevitable arrival?
Opinion - As New Zealand gets ready for the festive season under the new traffic light system, the emergence of the Omicron variant is a reminder this pandemic is far from over.
Police union wants iwi to prove value of Northland border checkpoints
It's feared checkpoints in Northland could suck up valuable police resources this summer, while failing to stop unvaccinated travellers reaching vulnerable communities. Audio
Northland border control plan prompts criticism
Tai Tokerau Border Control says it will work hard to keep traffic moving at two Northland checkpoints this summer but one local mayor and the police union say they won't work and are a waste of… Audio
Two motel units set aside for Queenstown self-isolation not enough for mayor
Just two motel units have been set aside in Queenstown for people who might need to isolate with Covid-19 in the Christmas holidays - despite tens of thousands of Aucklanders about to hit town.
… Audio
Northland Mayors not happy with border check plan
Northland mayors say plans for border checks between Auckland and Northland to keep unvaccinated holidaymakers out are flawed.
The checkpoints will be at State Highway 1 near Uretiti and SH12 near… Audio
