Covid 19
Epidemiologist's warning: 'A serious disease that people need to take seriously'
There's "no doubt" New Zealanders are not taking Omicron seriously, Auckland epidemiologist Rod Jackson says, adding that in the US, it has killed more people than the Delta variant. Audio
'Very confusing, very quickly': Luxon wants pathway beyond peak of Omicron
The government needs to front up on when vaccine mandates will be removed, the National Party leader says. Audio
Officers working at Wellington protest have caught Covid-19 - Coster
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says a team of staff working at the protest have caught Covid-19 and while it hasn't been linked to protesters, it "stands to reason" the coronavirus is there. Audio
Covid-19: Omicron impact felt at universities
Universities have barely begun teaching for the year and Omicron is already spreading among students.
The Union of Students Associations says there have been cases at several universities and it is… Audio
Covid-19: Rod Jackson urges NZers to take Omicron seriously
An Auckland epidemiologist is urging New Zealanders to take Omicron seriously, and certainly not to think of it as similar to the flu.
The warning by Rod Jackson comes as new modelling by Te Pūnaha… Audio
Covid-19: Labs inundated with tests
Testing laboratories say they're inundated with demand for Covid-19 PCR tests and there's a major backlog in Auckland.
Figures released by the Health Ministry yesterday show a total of 24,351 tests… Audio
Covid-19 Wellington Girls College stops in person classes
A school near the illegal occupation around Parliament is asking its students to work from home until next Tuesday, after continued assaults and intimidation from protesters.
On Tuesday morning… Audio
Covid-19: Predicted case numbers in Auckland rise
The latest Covid-19 modelling shows Auckland and Northland could reach 4000 daily cases, or 9000 if people don't take up the booster shot.
That's a significant increase from last month when Counties… Audio
Wellington local says he witnessed 'violent' assault at Parliament protest
A man who says he witnessed an assault by two protesters on another occupier at Parliament says it shows how the mood has turned nasty at times this week.
Covid-19: Wellington ambulances won't enter occupation
Wellington's only emergency ambulance service will no longer attend emergencies within the protest area at Parliament.
Wellington Free Ambulance says it has made the difficult decision because of… Audio
Covid-19: Parliament protest enters 16th day
Police are promising to be out in force at the Parliament protest on Wednesday.
Cars of some Parliament protesters were towed last night. Towies removed vehicles from a median strip between Stout and… Audio
'Difficult trying to adapt': High schoolers shoulder burden of pandemic changes
As high schools around New Zealand prepare for a third year of interrupted learning due to Covid-19, some educators are concerned about the lasting impacts of the pandemic on young people. Audio
Northern areas could see 4000 cases a day during Omicron peak - modelling
The peak of Covid-19 in the Omicron outbreak in Auckland and Northland could reach 4000 daily cases, if transmission is low, or 9000 if it is not, new modelling shows.
Covid-19: Victoria University students want campus back
Victoria University of Wellington students are demanding more action from authorities so they can use the Pipitea Campus next week.
A Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association petition… Audio
Covid-19: Two cars towed at Parliament protest
Cars of some Parliament protesters were towed last night.
Towies removed vehicles from a median strip between Stout and Featherston street.
Susie Ferguson got an update. Audio
Southern DHB expects Covid-19 cases to be double official figure
Southern District Health Board estimates there are close to 1200 cases of Covid-19 in its region, much more than the official figure of 690.
Covid-19: Queen cancels virtual engagement after testing positive
To the UK, where the Queen has cancelled her virtual engagements overnight as she continues to experience Covid-19 symptoms.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the 95-year-old Monarch will… Audio
Parliament protests: what's happening now, Mayor Foster
And we head to Wellington now where the protest outside of Parliament is heading into its 16th day. We join our reporter on the ground Nick Truebridge. The Mayor of Wellington Andy Foster also joins… Audio
Education fears entering 3rd year of Covid restrictions
High Schools around New Zealand are preparing for more interupted learning in 2022 as Omicron cases climb. Yesterday the Ministry of Heath reported 2846 Positive Covid-19 cases, a record high. It's… Audio
Research:allergic reactions to vaccines less with 2nd dose
New research shows that people who had allergic reactions to their first Covid-19 vaccination are very unlikely to have the same reaction to their second dose, Nathan Rarere spoke to Specialist… Audio
