Covid 19
Taxi Federation takes concerns over carrying unvaccinated passengers to the government
Taxi drivers are angry they are being forced to carry unvaccinated passengers and have asked the government to urgently review the rules.
The Panel with Damian Christie and Ziena Jalil (Part 2)
Part 2: Panellists Damian Christie and Ziena Jalil discuss lending law changes, Christmas hams, and a 'monster slide'. Audio
The Panel with Damian Christie and Ziena Jalil (Part 1)
Part 1: Panellists Damian Christie and Ziena Jalil discuss Auckland opening up, and new legislation on townhouses. Audio
Auckland's boundary lifts; motorists head out of the city, many flock to airport
Spot checks are happening on roads out of the city, at the airport, and at two new checkpoints in Northland. See how the first day of the soft border around Auckland unfolded with RNZ's live blog.
The Pre-Panel for 15 December 2021
Panellists Damian Christie and Ziena Jalil answer listeners' questions for Dear Panel. Send your questions to thepanel@rnz.co.nz. Audio
Taranaki town on alert after one Covid-19 case at school grows to 11
An isolated case of Covid in the Taranaki township of Eltham has grown into a full blown cluster involving a single class at the local primary school.
Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown hits government coffers
The government's finances have taken a bigger than expected hit from the current Covid-19 outbreak.
Covid-19: 74 new community cases today, one death
There are 74 new community cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today as Auckland's border restrictions are lifted.
Report reveals performance gap between regions with Covid-19 restrictions and those with fewer
The latest Westpac Regional Roundup report shows the emergence of the Delta variant created a performance gap between regions that had fewer restrictions, and those that were forced into lockdown.
Auckland border testing may only catch a quarter of cases - govt report
Government officials think the testing requirement to leave Auckland from today might only catch a quarter of the number of Covid-19 cases leaving.
Waka Kotahi warning travellers of delays, have patience
Joining Nathan Rarere is Waka Kotahi's Regional Manager of Operations and Maintenance for Northland and Auckland, Jacqui Hori-Hoult. Audio
Reporter Chen Liu at "old" southern border checkpoint
RNZ reporter Chen Liu is at the border South of Auckland where the checkpoint has been dismantled after nearly 4 months in place, stopping Aucklanders from leaving the city. Audio
First Up's Ellie Jay at Auckland Airport where its getting busy
Let's go now back to Auckland airport now where they're gearing up for a busy old day and days ahead as Aucklanders are now free to travel. Our producer Ellie Jay is there.. Audio
School pupils promote Waihi with Why Not Waihi?
Since lockdown the small North island town of Waihi has seen vistor numbers drop by 70% and the students of Waihi central school were keen to let New Zealanders know the town is open for business… Audio
Demand for rapid antigen tests ramps up in Auckland as border reopens
The Ministry of Health has sent 250,000 tests to sites across the country, yet some in Auckland have told RNZ they've received only a small number or none at all and may have to turn people away.
A busy AK Airport says allow an hour, show vaccine passports
Let's go to Auckland Airport where its expected to be a busy day now that Auckland's border has come down and residents are free to travel throughout the country. Passengers will need to be vaccinated… Audio
First Up's Ellie Jay at Auckland Airport before 6am flights
Let's go now to Auckland airport because for the first time in four months, Aucklanders can fly wherever they want.. and anyone else in New Zealand can fly to Auckland.. The only catch is you need to… Audio
Covid-19 misinformation probe: Three doctors suspended from practising
Three doctors have had their practising certificates suspended as they are investigated for spreading Covid-19 misinformation.
Northland businesses expect lower domestic foot traffic this summer
Aucklanders are counting down the hours to escape the city limits, but Northland businesses are well aware this summer will be a different kettle of fish. Audio
NSW Covid-19 cases jump to 10-week high as unvaccinated 'freedom day' looms
NSW will press ahead with plans to give a swathe of freedoms to unvaccinated people tomorrow, as the number of new daily Covid-19 infections rose to a 10-week high.