Covid 19
Covid-19: 172 new community cases reported in New Zealand today
There are 172 new community cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today, with new cases in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes and the Nelson/Tasman region.
Omicron worry in Fiji
Health authorities in Fiji are urgently testing recent arrivals to see whether the new Covid variant Omicron is in the country.
The country reopened its borders to tourists yesterday.
Sources from… Audio
Gisborne campsite criticised for not using vaccine passes
A cafe and a campsite in Gisborne are being criticised for not using vaccine passes, saying it will put the community - which has the lowest vaccination rates in the country - at risk.
Far East… Audio
Children might be eligible for Covid-19 vaccination from late January
Children aged 5 and older might be eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations from around the time school begins next year.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield says if the vaccine is approved, officials would work to… Audio
Nearly 100 fewer firefighters on job due to Covid-19 vaccination mandate
Fire and Emergency has backtracked after mistakenly trying to block staff who do not show a vaccine pass from doing or providing training.
Northland needs more time to get vaccination levels up - DHB chair
A Northern District Health Board leader says the region needs more time to boost low vaccination rates before unvaccinated travellers are allowed in. Audio
Scientists rap on vaccine in collab with politicians
Scientists have taken on a whole new field to spread the message on Covid-19 vaccinations and clear up misinformation. Video, Audio
MIQ health and safety reps left waiting 11 months for training, union says
An MIQ hotel health and safety representative says problems with escapees are not being addressed because the system neglects workers.
Nelson school expects up to 40 close contacts of Covid-19 case
A Nelson primary school closed due to a Covid-19 case anticipates 20 to 30 students and 10 staff may be close contacts. Audio
Hospitality sector 'devastated' after being excluded from Auckland stimulus package
As hospitality businesses around Auckland prepare to open to customers tomorrow for the first time in 108 days, the Restaurant Association say they are devastated. Audio
Safety checks on Covid-19 vaccine for children 'does take time'
Additional safety checks on the Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine for children create the long timeframe for the rollout, says an immunologist. Audio
Large attendance variations in Auckland schools
Auckland schools are reporting wildly different attendance rates with some families refusing to send children back to class.
Economic agency warns of further business closures if Auckland stays in red
Auckland's economic development agency is warning more businesses will close for good if the region doesn't move to Covid orange in a fortnight.
Officials urged to move faster on vaccinating children aged 5-11
The clock is ticking for the government to get children aged five to 11 vaccinated against Covid-19. Audio
Covid-19: Sixth Omicron case in NSW
A sixth case of the Omicron virus has been detected in New South Wales.
New South Wales health minister Brad Hazzard yesterday ruled out lockdowns to contain the new variant.
He says it might be… Audio
Covid-19: Attendance at Auckland schools varying wildly
Auckland schools are reporting wildly different attendance rates with some families refusing to send children back to class.
It's just over two weeks since the region's classrooms were allowed to… Audio
Covid-19: Nelson Mayor on school cases
Two Nelson primary schools have closed after staff members tested positive for Covid-19. One person at Enner Glynn School returned a positive result yesterday and had been infectious since Monday… Audio
Waitangi trust chairman on events cancellation
The Government is being warned the calling off of Waitangi Day events is just the start, with Northlanders fearful of what Covid-19 will bring.
Northland iwi want only double-vaxed visitors and… Audio
Covid-19: Calls for more speed on child vaccinations
The clock's ticking for the government to get children aged five to 11 vaccinated against Covid-19.
Minister Chris Hipkins has announced he expects advice from Medsafe in a couple of weeks and the… Audio
Covid-19: Northland leader wants time before unvaccinated travellers allowed to cross border
A Northern District Health Board leader says the region needs more time to boost low vaccination rates before unvaccinated travellers are allowed in.
From 15 December unvaccinated Aucklanders may… Audio
