Covid 19
Omicron: Queenstown businesses face closure as staff isolate
Restaurant operators say inconsistent messaging around isolation requirements is forcing many owners to close their doors. Audio
Stories of MIQ heartache shared as Grounded Kiwis take fight to court
A group that opposes the government's MIQ system and argues entering New Zealand is a 'foundational right' laid out their concerns today in the High Court. Audio
Covid-19: People who don't need a test may be turned away - officials
People who are unlikely to have Covid-19 or who have not been advised to get tested risk being turned away from testing centres, Auckland public health officials say.
NZ readies for Phase 2 of Omicron outbreak
As the Omicron outbreak rapidly expands, New Zealand is readying for the next stage of its Covid-19 response - Phase 2.
981 new cases were recorded in the community today, bringing the total number… Audio
Restaurants closing, denied 'ludicrous' test-to-work exemption
Some hospitality businesses feel they are getting the cold shoulder again from government after being left out of the test to work scheme, which is designed to keep the doors open during peak Omicron.
…Omicron response enters Phase 2 from Wednesday
Shorter isolation times and less intensive contact tracing is on the horizon. New Zealand will step into phase two of the Omicron response, from Wednesday.
The shift has just been announced after… Audio
Grounded Kiwis' MIQ case against govt reaches High Court
The 'foundational right' of New Zealanders to return to their country is at the core of a legal battle being fought over the MIQ system.
The case, being taken by the group Grounded Kiwis against the… Video, Audio
US-Canada bridge to reopen after police clear protesters
North America's busiest trade link will reopen for traffic, ending a six-day blockade after Canadian police cleared the protesters fighting to end Covid-19 restrictions, a top US official said.
Parking alternative offered to free up Parliament streets blocked by protesters
RNZ reporters say the streets are still blocked by cars and trucks that have been parked up illegally for days, and more tents are being set up in surrounding areas.
Covid-19 update: Record 981 new community cases today
The Ministry of Health says "the further increase in new cases today is another reminder that, as expected, the highly transmissible Omicron variant is now spreading in our communities as we have seen…
Jacinda Ardern to protesters: 'Go home and take your children'
The prime minister says the behaviour of protesters at Parliament doesn't suggest to her that the group are interested in engaging when it comes to finding a solution. Audio
Unvaccinated US man planning trip to NZ with illegally-obtained certificate
An unvaccinated man plans on travelling to New Zealand - and there's no way to tell he hasn't had the jab.
Daily case numbers not showing extent of Omicron spread - Baker
Epidemiologist Michael Baker is warning the number of Covid-19 cases could be as much as 10 times the official figures. Audio
Covid-19: School mask mandate tricky for some
Principals say some schools and teachers are ignoring or misinterpreting the mask mandate for school children.
Police appeal to protesters at Parliament to clear the streets
Police are appealing to protesters encamped at Parliament to work with them to try and clear the streets of Wellington.
Wellington Mayor on protest action at Parliament
And Wellington's Mayor Andy Foster heard that and spoke with Nathan Rarere. Audio
Owner of Backbencher pub angry at protest inaction
As the protest outside of Parliament heads into its seventh day, business owners in the precinct are growing frustrated by an apparent lack of action by the police and council. Surrounding streets… Audio
NZer misses by 2 hours having to not MIQ on travel back from OZ
A woman will have to go through managed isolation because she'll miss the deadline for quarantine-free travel with Australia by just two hours. Changes to the border rules mean vaccinated New… Audio
Covid-19: Many NZers likely to encounter virus in coming weeks - expert
Experts are urging those eligible for a Covid-19 booster vaccine to get their shot as soon as possible after a near-doubling of daily Covid-19 case numbers.
Covid-19: 'It's likely the virus is in our community' - Cook Islands PM
There may be "silent transmission" of Covid-19 in Rarotonga after a person tested positive upon arriving back in New Zealand, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says.
