Covid 19
Bloomfield advice on prioritising Māori over 50 for vaccination not taken by govt
The Crown defended its pandemic response for Māori before the Waitangi Tribunal on Thursday, arguing that equity has been a consideration at every step.
Expert calls for prioritisation in Covid-19 vaccine roll-out for children
Māori, Pasifika and lower socioeconomic communities like South Auckland should be prioritised in the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out for children, says an epidemiologist.
PM assures children's vaccine rollout is carefully considered
A third of caregivers are reluctant or unsure about vaccinating children aged five to 11 against Covid.
The government is currently looking at rolling out vaccines to the age group - given MedSafe… Audio
Northland holiday bookings dropping due to uncertainty
Holiday bookings are dropping like Autumn leaves from a tree according to some Bay of Islands businesses.
The region is currently in red on the traffic light system and people travelling their way… Video, Audio
Covid-19: Active case numbers inflated with recovered people
Thousands of people who have recovered from Covid-19 are still being counted as active cases because updating data is an "administrative burden" on public health units.
Health workers urge people get vaccinated to keep hospitals free
Health workers on the front line of Covid say vaccination is the biggest defence this summer, as they hope to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed.
Reporter Louise Ternouth and camera operator… Video, Audio
Investigations underway into antivax Kaiapoi doctor
A series of investigations are underway into a Kaiapoi GP who's been filmed handing out medical certificates and schooling patients in how to pass them off as official vaccine exemptions.
Newshub… Video, Audio
Govt to ban cigarette sales for future generations
In a world-first, the government plans to ban future generations of young New Zealanders from ever buying cigarettes in their lifetime.
It's one of a suite of measures hoped to drive down smoking… Audio
'Disappointed and upset': Ardern on GP giving out 'vaccine exemption'
The Prime Minister says it is disappointing and upsetting a GP is reportedly handing out certificates as vaccine exemptions as it puts others at risk. Audio
Covid-19: Rapid antigen testing to be free for some domestic travellers
The Ministry of Health has released more details on what free Covid-19 rapid antigen testing will mean for those crossing regional boundaries over summer.
Covid-19: 103 new community cases in the country today
There are 103 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today, the Ministry of Health has reported.
Tairāwhiti DHB boss appeals for testing, assures support for anyone with Covid-19
The head of Hauora Tairāwhiti DHB is emphasising those who test positive for Covid-19 will be supported as concerns mount over wastewater samples detecting the virus. Audio
More advice needed before accelerating vaccine booster rollout - Hipkins
The government's Covid-19 technical advisory group is considering whether to shorten the time between the second and third dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Audio
Covid-19: Pfizer says booster shot promising against Omicron
Pfizer and BioNTech have said a booster jab of their coronavirus vaccine promises to be an effective defence against the new Omicron variant.
Deputy PM: NZ was never sending officials to Winter Olympics
It's a countdown to the 15th of December when Auckland's border will lift in time for the Christmas and Summer holidays. Yesterday the Government rejected criticism over Auckland's ongoing isolation… Audio
Faafoi cancelled all visitor visas for administrative convenience, lawyer argues
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi chose administrative ease over the rights of families and children, according to lawyers in the High Court.
Holiday parks need advice on how to deal with Covid-positive visitors
Holiday park and camping ground owners are worried about what to do if someone tests positive for Covid-19 during their stay, tourism chiefs say.
Covid wrap: Nats call for removal of Auckland border, DHBs set-up mini-MIQs
Bloomfield reveals Auckland border not necessary under new system, Luxon calls police and iwi checkpoints a waste of resources and district health boards set up mini-MIQS ahead of Auckland's exodus.
Early study suggests Omicron could evade Pfizer vaccine
An early study suggests the new Omicron Covid variant may be able to evade the Pfizer vaccine.
Scientists also believe Omicron can spread more easily and could out-compete Delta to become the… Audio
Gisborne mayor urges more testing after virus detected in waste water
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz is concerned about three waste water samples that came back positive for Covid-19, despite no known cases there. Audio
