Covid 19
Plan to easing restrictions 'sensible', 'pragmatic', experts say
Covid-19 experts are backing the government's approach to easing restrictions, once Omicron cases passes its peak. Audio
Covid-19: Convoy protesters' point made, time for them to go home - Grant Robertson
The Deputy Prime Minister Grant Roberston says the protesters have made their point and need to leave Parliament grounds.
He says politicians will not talk to protesters at the illegal protest amidst… Audio
Covid-19: Entire year groups sent home from school
Cases of Covid-19 among children and teachers are forcing schools to roster entire year groups home or offer online learning for those who want it.
Education Ministry figures show at least 447… Audio
'Going to be disruptive': Lab worker tests positive to Covid-19
New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science president Terry Taylor says while the absence of one from the team will affect capacity, colleagues will fill in the gaps as best they could.
Covid-19: Protest funder on their reasons for doing it
One person helping to fund the protest at Parliament is the Red Stag chief executive Marty Verry.
Red Stag has business interests in forestry, timber, property development, and tourism.
Verry spoke… Audio
Covid-19: NZ a global front-runner in response - UK medic
A UK medic says New Zealand has been a global front-runner with its Covid-19 response.
Dr Dan Goyal is a Scotland-based medical consultant and explained his viewpoint in a detailed social media post.
…Covid-19: Baker on when restrictions can ease
People can expect Covid-19 restrictions to ease in about six weeks when Omicron is expected to peak.
While the Prime Minister has not a given a date for the end of restrictions, she says once the… Audio
'Mild' Omicron strain still needs to be taken seriously
For a country where just a handful of Covid-19 cases once sparked nation-wide lockdowns, the number of daily infections in the current Omicron outbreak can seem more than a little unnerving. There are… Audio
Govt announces Covid support payment for struggling businesses
Targeted payments to businesses strugging in the red traffic light, an 'interest-free extension' to 'small business loans', and 'flexibility on tax payment dates' are being offered by the government… Audio
Day 15 of the Covid convoy protest
Well it's now 15 days since a convoy of protesters descended on Parliament and set up their tent city. And with police remaining reluctant to use force to disband them, how long they will continue to… Audio
Alarming numbers dying from Omicron in Japan
To Japan now where the number of people dying each day from the Omicron outbreak is reaching alarming levels. Earlier I caught up with our correspondent in Tokyo Chris Gilbert who gave me the grim… Audio
UK set to scrap Covid-19 restrictions
We begin this morning in the UK, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to set out his plan to scrap all remaining covid-19 restrictions.. With more on that, and the latest on the health of Queen… Audio
Kiwi still suffering from Omicron sounds warning
The Prime Minister says "it's likely that very soon we will all know people who have Covid, or we will potentially get it ourselves." She says there are three reasons that is no longer such a scary… Audio
EMA Chief Executive Brett O'Reilly
Today the Government threw a lifeline to businesses trying to keep their heads above water during the Omicron outbreak. Finance Minister Grant Robertson and the Revenue Minister David Parker announced… Audio
Māori vaccination rollout stalls: 'Final wall of resistance'
Māori uptake of first and second vaccinations has stalled as Covid-19 vaccination teams meet "a final wall of resistance", says a Māori health analyst.
Northland DHB braces for field hospital, Covid-19 influx
Omicron patients will go to a makeshift facility if Covid-19 cases take up too many beds at Whangārei Hospital.
Moana Pasifika face deadline to play after Covid-19 cases
Moana Pasifika has been given a deadline to prove their players are fit to play - and are ready to take the field for their first Super Rugby match.
The new team's competition debut was postponed… Audio
Field hospital in Whangārei Omicron surge plans
Omicron patients will go to a field hospital in Whangārei if Covid-infected patients take up too many beds.
The hospital has been struggling with booming populations, undersized departments and… Audio
Business leaders, doctors call for shortened isolation periods
There are growing calls from business representatives and doctors for isolation periods to shorten.
One organisation says companies are already having to close due to the 10 day period household… Audio
Vaccine mandates to be lifted after worst of Omicron - PM
Vaccine mandates will be lifted once New Zealand is past the worst of the omicron outbreak.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the commitment this afternoon but wouldn't put a date on when exactly it… Audio
