Covid 19
Robertson: govt claims its not commandeered rapid antigen tests
The government is under fire over allegations it "comandeered" rapid antigen tests from private companies. The government plans to increase the number of tests available to the public ahead of an… Audio
LDR South AK: locals, Doctors prepare for Omicron surge
Every Thursday we're delighted to be able to zoom across the country and talk to one of the reporters from the Local Democracy Reporting Programme. This morning we're in South Auckland with Local… Audio
Despite Omicron, keeping schools open safely should be goal
The Omicron variant has caused serious disruption to schooling overseas. As Aotearoa prepares for an Omicron outbreak, calls to close schools as case numbers rise are expected, Jin Russell writes.
New Covid-19 cases attended music festival in Hamilton
The Ministry of Health says a number of people who attended a festival in Hamilton over the weekend have been confirmed as having Covid-19.
Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: Measures still 'crucial' as phases introduced
Omicron is not "mild" and can still overwhelm the health system, nor will it be the last Covid-19 variant so the government must prepare, public health experts say.
Amnesty for people who got fake Covid-19 vaccine passes
Canterbury police are offering an amnesty for people who received fake Covid-19 vaccine passes from a Rangiora man.
'Worst case scenario' of Omicron would be phase two in two weeks - Bloomfield
The Director-General of Health says the Health Ministry is working on the "worst case scenario" that the tipping point to move to phase two of the Omicron response could be in two weeks. Audio
Govt criticised over interference with Rapid Antigen Test order
Private suppliers of Rapid Antigen Tests have lashed out at the government's interference with their orders.
The government plans to increase the number of tests available to the public ahead of an… Audio
Farmers call to be critical workers in Omicron response
Farmers are warning of huge pressures on food supply if they're not considered part of the critical workforce.
The government has laid out its three-phase plan to tackle omicron, which would allow… Video, Audio
Dr Ashley Bloomfield details Omicron response
The government has outlined its staged approach to the highly transmissible Omicron variant that is already in the community. There were 56 new cases on Wednesday.
As infections spread, the isolation… Video, Audio
BSA issues warning over Covid-19 misinformation
A dismissed complaint has prompted the media watchdog to issue a warning over Covid-19 misinformation and the danger of selectively quoting reports or data out of context.
Ten lessons for a post-pandemic world
He called it. CNN's Fareed Zakaria is one of the world's most respected journalists who interviews world leaders and writes about how the world is changing and what it means. He shares ten lessons… Audio
Covid-19: 23 new community cases reported in NZ
There have been 23 new community cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand today, with the total number of Omicron cases reported in the community now at 56.
Cost of new masks will put pressure on those already struggling
The government's newly tightened rules for mask use under the 'red' traffic light setting has advocates concerned it will put added pressure on those already struggling in Aotearoa.
They say for… Audio
Brian Tamaki appeals his jailing
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki is appearing before the High Court in Auckland trying to get out of jail.
Tamaki has been in remand at Mt Eden Prison in Auckland for breaching lockdown rules in… Audio
Science commentator Siouxsie Wiles takes Omicron questions
With the advent of Omicron in the community, Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles answers listeners questions about this highly transmissable Covid strain. Audio
Covid-19: How to adapt to the new mask rules
While N95 and P2 masks are known to be the best options available, a public health researcher says people shouldn't feel anxious if they can't access one. Audio
Government 'commandeering' private sector's rapid antigen tests - Luxon
National Party leader Christopher Luxon says the government is taking rapid antigen tests away from the private sector to hide its own incompetence because it doesn't have enough in the country. Audio
Covid-19: Mask advice unclear for niqab wearers
As we've been reporting this morning, scarves and bandanas have been ruled out as acceptable face coverings under the latest covid-19 guidelines.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says under the red… Audio
Covid-19: Live events industry loses large chunk of summer income
Many musicians, actors and others in the live events industry are facing months without any income because of the move to the red traffic light setting.
They are on their own because the wage subsidy… Audio
