Morning Report for Friday 3 December 2021

8:53 AM.The Wellington Phoenix will debut in Australia's national women's football competition tonight with plenty of enthusiasm but very little experience.

Fourteen years after the Phoenix men's team was… Read more Audio

8:49 AM.More than 91 percent of Wellingtonians are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19 but there are still pockets of low coverage in some areas - particularly poorer neighbourhoods.

It's hoped the vaccine… Read more Audio

8:44 AM.There's no business like show business, and the traffic light system is a lot more welcoming of entertainment.

Events can happen at red, orange, and green. While none of the country's in green… Read more Audio

8:41 AM.The Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board's Chief Medical Officer says it's too early to say how large the latest Covid-19 outbreak in the region will end up.

Currently, there are 14 cases, made… Read more Audio

8:37 AM.Meghan Markle has won the privacy battle against Mail on Sunday newspaper.

The Duchess of Sussex says it is a precdent setting victory.

She had sued the paper's parent company Associated Newspapers… Read more Audio

8:28 AM.Whanganui is red under the new Traffic Light System.

This comes as a local iwi leader has urged holidaymakers to reconsider plans to visit the region this summer, to protect Te Awa Tupua communities… Read more Audio

8:27 AM.The traffic light system and vaccine passes are giving gyms something of a logistical workout.

Some gyms have the unique challenge of being open 24/7, although only being staffed some of the day.

… Read more Audio

8:25 AM.Tens of thousands of people who've had trouble obtaining a vaccine pass have been issued a temporary one, as the Ministry of Health struggles to keep up with processing demands.

New Zealand is now in… Read more Audio

8:18 AM.After almost four months in lockdown, Auckland bars, cafes and restaurants are opening for table service today.

It's a major milestone for the country's largest city, which has been eagerly awaiting… Read more Audio

8:12 AM.Hundreds of millions of dollars are being poured into boosting hospital intensive care as the country loosens restrictions and braces for life with Covid-19.

About $100 million will be used to… Read more Audio

8:08 AM.As you heard there, Aucklanders are out of lockdown, more than 100 days since Delta was detected in the region.

Cafes are open, the lines at fast food joints are long, and perhaps, there are some… Read more Audio

7:52 AM.The US Supreme Court is looking likely to to accept a Mississippi law that would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy - even in cases of rape or incest.

Adam Liptak is the the Supreme Court… Read more Audio

7:52 AM.The drug-buyer Pharmac has been heavily criticised in an interim report into the agency, released on Thursday. The review, led by former Consumer chief executive Sue Chetwin, said the high-profile… Read more Audio

7:50 AM.Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyers have been looking for inconsistencies in her key accuser's testimony.

The accuser, known as "Jane", says she was 14 when she was abused by Maxwell and convicted paedophile… Read more Audio

7:45 AM.The traffic light system is in place.

Queenstown is now orange.

Reporter Tim Brown spoke to Corin Dann. Read more Audio

7:40 AM.As the traffic light system kicks in today, local councils around the country have had to make some tough decisions about how to meet the needs of locals, and keep everyone safe.

Gisborne District… Read more Audio

7:35 AM.While most of the country was able to see Daniel Craig's last outing as James Bond on the big screen months ago, Aucklanders are finally getting to see the slick spy flick.

Some already have after… Read more Audio

7:27 AM.Te Tai Tokerau border control is grateful the police will set up checkpoints to require visitors from Auckland to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test.

Earlier this week, iwi leaders… Read more Audio

7:20 AM.North Shore, Tauranga and Christchurch hospitals are the first to receive a boost from a $100 million fund to expand intensive care facilities.

The Government has earmarked the capital spend from the… Read more Audio

7:16 AM.As you heard there, Aucklanders are out of lockdown, more than 100 days since Delta was detected in the region.

Cafes are open, the lines at fast food joints are long, and perhaps, there are some… Read more Audio

7:13 AM.A beer that tastes like freedom, celebratory drinks were cheered around Auckland overnight as the country shifted to the Covid-19 protection framework.

The traffic light system has given Auckland a… Read more Audio

7:08 AM.The tables are set, lights strung up and the verifier app downloaded.

After almost four months in lockdown, Auckland bars, cafes and restaurants are opening for table service today.

But those… Read more Audio

6:46 AM.Police say they will work with iwi at checkpoints to make sure Aucklanders hoping to take a break in Te Tai Tokerau are double-vaccinated or have proof of a negative Covid-19 test.

The move comes… Read more Audio

6:42 AM.Seniors living in retirement villages and rest homes are feeling nervous about an anticipated spike in visitors under the new traffic light system.

Among the first to get the Pfizer vaccine, they now… Read more Audio

6:41 AM.With the introduction of the traffic light system, after what must have seemed forever Aucklanders are now free to go to the gym or eat in at cafes.

The city is now waking up to its red light status.

6:16 AM.Family doctors are seeking input from the Government over how patients with Covid-19 should be managed by doctors under the new traffic light system.

Doctors say the greater freedoms now possible… Read more Audio

6:10 AM.Auckland is finally opening up after months in lockdown.

The team at Bread and Butter bakery and cafe, in Grey Lynn, are getting the final touches done before opening the doors at 7.

Owner Isobel… Read more Audio

6:08 AM.Auckland - it's a whole new world today.

After what might have felt like forever, Aucklanders are today free to go and get someone else to make their breakfast, while they wait at a table.

The city… Read more Audio