Covid 19
Dismay over vaccine pass decision at New Plymouth council facilities
The New Plymouth Positive Ageing Trust says allowing people open access to many council facilities in the city without the use of a vaccine pass is putting lives at risk.
Unvaccinated ratepayers warned not to expect lower rates under new red traffic light classification
Unvaccinated Whangārei ratepayers barred from council facilities under New Zealand's new traffic light Covid-19 Protection Framework should not be expecting their rates to be reduced as a result.
Pharmacists stretched thin distributing vaccine passes
Pharmacists say they are stretched and tired, providing Covid-19 vaccines and passes on top of their usual mahi.
Some Bay of Plenty businesses still serving unvaccinated people
In the Bay of Plenty most of the region has moved to the orange light, but some businesses have chosen to do things differently.
Covid-19: Nelson outbreak sees spike in vaccinations
The Covid-19 outbreak in Nelson seems to have given people the nudge they needed to get their first vaccination.
'This is the new normal': Whanganui gets used to life in red zone
Despite having no active cases of Covid-19 in the community Whanganui woke to find itself in the red zone today.
Covid-19 wrap: Auckland lockdown ends, traffic light system comes in
The new traffic light system for managing Covid-19 came in today with Auckland going into the red setting and the city reopening after more than 100 days in lockdown.
Two new Covid-19 cases in Wairoa District
There are two new Covid-19 cases in the Wairoa District, both household contacts of a previously reported case from outside the region.
ICU funding may be too much, too late - health professionals
There are fears from health professionals that the government's sudden boost in hospital funding to prepare for Covid-19 cases is overly-ambitious so late into the pandemic.
Covid-19: Ninety percent of eligible population in Auckland now fully vaccinated
Ninety percent of the eligible population across Tāmaki Makaurau are now fully vaccinated, health authorities have confirmed.
Covid-19: High testing demand as Nelson outbreak grows to 14
Health officials are working to determine the source of the Covid-19 outbreak in the top of the South Island.
'Getting 90 percent of NZers to agree on anything is highly unusual' - deputy PM
The Deputy Prime Minister has hit back at claims that NZ is a divided nation over vaccinations, saying the numbers "simply do not bear that out". Watch the government's latest Covid-19 briefing here.
Iwi urges testing and vaccination after Covid cases in Taranaki
A Taranaki iwi leader is urging whānau to get tested and vaccinated in light of Covid-19 returning to the region.
Vaccine pass complications add to inequity concerns
More than 91 percent of Wellingtonians are now fully vaccinated but deep pockets of low coverage persist in some areas, particularly poorer neighbourhoods.
Iwi reassured as Coster warns of fines at Northland checkpoints
Police will be assisted by iwi to make sure people are double-vaccinated or have proof of negative test results when the Auckland border opens, the Police Commissioner says. Audio
Covid-19: Pockets of low vaccination in Wellington
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… Audio
Covid-19: Nelson outbreak grows to 14 cases
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… Audio
Covid-19: Some people issued temporary vaccine passes
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… Audio
MIQ rules could be changed to allow 501 deportees to stay longer
Corrections is urgently trying to change MIQ rules so New Zealanders deported from Australia can stay in hotels for longer.
Covid-19: Hipkins on what response will be like under traffic light framework
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… Audio