Covid 19
Call for fresh focus on booster vaccines for Māori
A Maōri researcher says a new focus on Covid-19 boosters is needed as vaccination rates stagnate.
Covid-19 update: 18 further deaths and 10,294 new community cases
Another 18 people with Covid-19 have died and there are 10,294 new community cases in New Zealand today, the Ministry of Health says.
Govt prepared to work hard to curb high inflation
We'll get a good idea of how much the cost of living has actually gone up by later today when the much-anticipated consumer price index for the March quarter is released. It will come as no surprise… Audio
Counties Manukau DHB says no 'quick fix' solution to surgery backlog
There's no quick fix for a massive backlog of operations and appointments cancelled or postponed due to Omicron, Counties Manukau DHB says.
The Pre-Panel with Shane Te Pou and Heather Roy
Panellists Shane Te Pou and Heather Roy discuss the phenomenon of people walking their cats and tell us what they've been thinking. Audio
Lifting of US mask mandate may be appealed - Biden administration
A US judge's ruling to end mask mandates on aeroplanes will be appealed if health officials say the mandates are necessary to slow Covid-19, the Biden administration says.
'Brain drain' of young skilled workers from NZ as borders open
With the borders finally open, a brain drain of skilled young workers is now underway. Young people are booking flights, quitting their jobs and moving overseas.
Last week, the Ministry of Business… Audio
Pregnant NZers stuck overseas react to revealed MIQ memo
Women forced to give birth overseas because they couldn't get an MIQ spot late last year, say its abhorrent to learn that at that time, health officials thought MIQ wasn't justified.
It follows an… Audio
Covid-19 update: 547 people in hospital, 14 in ICU
There are 11,217 Covid-19 community cases and 13 deaths today, the Ministry of Health says.
'You feel a little bit less cautious' - Parents, kids adjusting to orange setting
The orange light setting has brought a sense of relief for parents, as the eased restrictions mean one less thing to juggle - but some Covid-related worries are still lurking.
Grant Robertson rules out compensation over MIQ
The government is facing heavy criticism for waiting until February to ditch hotel isolation, but Acting Deputy PM Grant Robertson is ruling out compensation. Audio
US airlines drop mask mandates after Florida court ruling
Many passengers on flights in the US have breathed a deep sigh of relief - without a mask - after mandates on public transport were dropped.
The dismissal comes after a federal judge in Florida… Audio
Parents, caregivers excited and nervous for orange
The orange light setting has brought a sense of relief for parents, as the eased restrictions mean one less thing to juggle.
Some Covid-19 related worries are still lurking.
Reporter Soumya… Audio
Delay in ditching MIQ system 'incredibly frustrating', returnees say
Up to 40,000 people could have skipped MIQ from November last year if the government had paid attention to top health officials.
Michael Baker on MIQ ending date
Some health officials may have argued for MIQ to be mothballed three months earlier than what happened - something we've been hearing a lot about this morning - but the University of Otago's Michael… Audio
MIQ ending delay justified - Grant Robertson
The Acting Prime Minister says Omicron held up an end to MIQ recommended last year.
The government's facing criticism for waiting till February to ditch the hotel isolation, even though Dr Caroline… Audio
Government making inflation worse - Luxon
The National Party leader says the Government is addicted to spending and is making inflation worse.
Another high quarterly inflation figure is expected to be released later this week -… Audio
Cruise industry wants maritime border opened
Crusie ships may be allowed back into New Zealand waters by October, but the industry says without a firm decision now, cruise lines may turn their backs on this country.
Under Maritime Covid-19… Audio
Covid-19: MIQ returnees want compensation
Up to 40,000 people could have skipped MIQ from November last year if the Government had followed top health advice.
A Ministry of Health document shows Dr Caroline McElnay and Dr Ashley Bloomfield… Audio
Covid-19: Chris Bishop on advice around MIQ end date
A man who failed six times to get a spot in MIQ wants compensation for those who suffered because of the system.
A Ministry of Health document shows that in November last year top officials advised… Audio
