Covid 19
Omicron phase three: What you need to know
Explainer - The government has announced the country is moving to phase three - but what does that mean? RNZ is here to clear it all up.
Taranaki vaccination delivery on a roll in shadow of anti-mandate protest
While attention is focused on the protest at Parliament grounds, Covid-19 vaccinators have been busy delivering booster shots and inoculating under 12 year olds.
Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: New Zealand to move to phase 3 of response
New Zealand will move to phase 3 of the Omicron response at 11.59pm, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed.
Epidemiologist Michael Baker on move to Phase 3 tonight
Aotearoa will move into Phase 3 of its Omicron response plan at 11.59 tonight.
Otago University epidemiologist, Professor Michael Baker spoke to Māni Dunlop. Audio
NZ to move to Phase 3 of Omicron response at 11.59pm tonight
Aotearoa will move to Phase 3 of its Omicron response at 11.59 tonight.
The Covid-19 Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, and Director-General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield, made the announcement just a… Audio
Covid-19: Auckland testing centres confident of meeting rapid antigen test demand
Thousands of rapid antigen tests were given out at Auckland community testing centres yesterday amid increasing demand as Omicron case numbers rise. Audio
Robertson on support payments: 'It's really just about meeting costs'
The government's Covid-19 support payments have never been about helping businesses make money, but instead helping those doing it tough to meet costs, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says. Audio
Covid-19: Taranaki vaccination rollout continues
While attention is focused on the protest at Parliament, vaccinators have been busy delivering booster shots and inoculating under 12 year olds.
In Taranaki, 47,981 people have now had a booster - 65… Audio
Interest rate hike bad for first home buyers
Already struggling first home buyers have been stung yet again, this time by the Reserve Bank's raising of the Official Cash Rate.
The OCR was raised by a quarter of a percentage point to one percent… Audio
Covid-19: Auckland testing sites switch to rapid antigen tests
Auckland testing sites are now using Rapid Antigen Tests as their go-to method, while labs deal with an enormous backlog in PCR swabs.
This comes as the country prepares to enter phase three of the… Audio
Covid-19: Pasifika GP network chair on surge's impact
The country is bracing itself for phase three of the Omicron response after recording more than 3000 new cases on Wednesday.
South Auckland has more than 8000 active cases, more than twice as many as… Audio
Covid-19: Hopes for swift move to phase three
Those on the frontline of the Omicron outbreak are hoping for a swift move to phase three of the government's response.
It would mean fewer people will have to isolate if they come into contact with… Audio
Covid-19: Protesters plan to cross Cook Strait by boat
Harbourmasters in Wellington and Marlborough are warning protesters planning to voyage across Cook Strait not to underestimate the risks involved in the journey.
A so-called second wave of protesters… Audio
Covid-19: Police shut down plans for 'Covid positive party'
Police in Dunedin tried to shut down plans for a "Covid positive party" last night in the city's student quarter.
The police say at six o'clock last night they visited a house on Leith Street North… Audio
Covid-19: Dunedin testing centre wants more RATs
The manager of a Dunedin Covid-19 testing centre is calling for more rapid antigen tests, with the region experiencing the third largest outbreak in the country.
The Southern DHB yesterday recorded… Audio
Covid-19: Waitohi Picton mana whenua offended by protesters
In Waitohi/Picton, the protesters occupying Nelson Square continue to annoy and offend locals and mana whenua -- most recently by bathing and toileting in a nearby stream. The protesters had promised… Audio
Deputy PM: next phase of Omicron is upon us, more RATs arriving
The Government has brought in new payments to help businesses affected by covid. As cases climb many hospitality businesses are having to close as staff isolate. Nathan Rarere asked the Deputy Prime… Audio
Government to announce next step in Omicron response
Those on the front line of the Omicron outbreak are hoping for a swift move to phase three of the government's response.
RATs being used as primary test in AK as Omicron expands
Rapid Antigen tests will now be used as the primary test around Auckland to help meet demand as the Omicron outbreak grows. The move, which is part of the government's planned testing strategy, has… Audio
Auckland restaurants struggle to stay open amid Omicron surge
Empty streets, closed signs decorating windows and locked gates are all signs of Omicron and the red traffic light setting in Tāmaki Makaurau. Audio
