Covid 19
Red light setting, fewer customers stressing business owners
Less than 48 hours into the red setting, a shift in work habits and daily routines is playing out on central city streets around New Zealand, causing stress for business owners.
City streets quiet as many brace for Omicron
City streets are already starting to empty out, as people return to working from home and brace for Omicron.
There were 10 new cases of the variant on Tuesday - in Auckland, Palmerston North, Nelson… Audio
Omicron isolation and employment - your questions answered
Based on current rules many people could be facing weeks and weeks in isolation as we build to peak Omicron.
At the moment if you are a close contact of a household case, your 10 days isolation does… Video, Audio
Major concern over Omicron case at Pukekohe wedding event
An unwelcome guest at a Pukekohe wedding has alarm bells ringing, with health officials saying Omicron and a large number of people were there.
The Pukekohe Indian Hall is now one of several new… Video, Audio
Nelson, Tasman residents financially best placed to manage Omicron impact - research
New research shows the Nelson and Tasman regions have the strongest financial wellbeing in the country.
Covid Response Minister on new mask rules under Omicron
The government is tightening its rules for mask use under the 'red' traffic light setting. Masks must now be worn in all food and drink venues, close-proximity businesses, events and gatherings.
The… Video, Audio
Major Taupō cycle event cancelled again due to Covid-19
New Zealand's largest cycling event, the BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is the latest to fall under the Covid-19 red traffic light level.
Covid-19: Omicron enters the Bay of Plenty as 10 new cases confirmed
There are 25 new community cases today, including two Omicron cases in Tauranga and a new location of interest related to the cluster has been identified in Auckland.
Covid-19: 5000 portable air cleaners for schools on the way
5000 portable air cleaners are on the way for schools - but they won't land in time for the start of the school year.
Just 500 are expected to arrive by March, with the rest to be delivered three… Audio
Businesses will struggle to cover 24-day leave for isolation of Covid contacts - Lawyer
It's unclear how businesses will cover a compulsory 24-day leave period for employees who have to isolate because someone they live with has mate korona.
Rātana and Waitangi Day events cancelled
The red light setting has forced the cancellation of some of the biggest events on the Māori calendar.
The Treaty Grounds will be closed on Waitangi Day, while Rātana commemorations kicked off this… Audio
Unvaccinated Thames-Coromandel mayor chairs meeting remotely
Sandra Goudie doesn't have a vaccine pass so is not allowed in the council building.
Covid-19: When will Omicron peak in NZ
Health experts are grappling with questions about how Omicron will spread through New Zealand, and when the peak might arrive.
There are predictions 15 percent of the workforce could be out of action… Audio
Cook Islands travel bubble with NZ stays open despite Omicron
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott says with the country relying heavily on the tourist industry, it's a balance between "the economy and surviving and getting through… Audio
Covid-19: Isolation rules should ease once Omicron takes off - Michael Baker
A leading epidemiologist says isolation requirements should be relaxed when Omicron is surging in New Zealand. Audio
Rātana celebrations pivot to online event in bid to help faithful stay connected
The Rātana faithful are being urged to stay away from the church's annual celebrations and tune into the event online instead. Audio
Staff at Motueka clinic linked to Omicron cases advised not to isolate
Staff at the Motueka medical centre that saw patients linked to the Omicron outbreak don't have to isolate but patients who visited the centre at the time will.
Covid-19: Coast to Coast cancelled for the first time
The Coast to Coast has been cancelled for the first time in four decades.
Organisers say it is impossible to run the two-day event under the red traffic light setting.
But they are hoping a one-day… Audio
Covid-19: City centres deserted
The red light has been turned on to stamp out the virus, but it's also stamped out visitors to CBD's around the country.
Cities like Auckland and Christchurch have been deserted as people hunker down… Audio
Covid-19: Wanaka worried over price of red level
Major events around the country are being called off thanks to stricter Covid-19 rules under the red traffic light setting.
The Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow has been cancelled for the… Audio
