Jean Bell
Experts warn Omicron could be unleashed in NZ 'within weeks'
Covid-19 experts are nervously eyeing the ever increasing number of infected cases stacking up at the border, as the threat of an Omicron outbreak looms.
The highly transmissible variant has rapidly… Audio
Covid-19: Auckland airport update
Aucklanders are taking to the skies to get out of the city after 120 days unable to leave the region.
Thousands are expected to leave the city today.
RNZ reporter Jean Bell who is Auckland airport.
…Air NZ baggage handlers arrested in Auckland smuggling bust
Six Air New Zealand baggage handlers have been arrested for their part in alleged drug smuggling at Aotearoa's border.
Authorities ended a six month long investigation with a bang today, arresting 14… Audio
Thames-Coromandel councillors and staff tight-lipped over mayor
Thames Coromandel district councillors and staff are staying tight-lipped about the mayor's controversial take on the pandemic and Covid vaccines.
A code of conduct complaint was laid about the mayor… Audio
Wealthy Auckland suburb's forest block up for sale today
A conservation group is fighting to stop a 2.3ha block of bush in Auckland being sold today to a developer. Kohimarama Forest, in the wealthy Auckland suburb of Saint Heliers, is being been marketed… Audio
Covid-19: Aucklanders seeing red as traffic light system nears
In just three days Aucklanders go red as the Covid-19 traffic light system comes into force bringing with it the long awaited freedoms like going to a bar, a restaurant or a movie.
The city went into… Audio
Covid-19: BOP cases given motorhomes for self-isolation
With the number of Covid-19 cases steadily rising in the Bay of Plenty, some people are been given caravans and motorhomes to help them self-isolate.
A Covid-19 case is now confirmed as having… Audio
Tourism businesses on international travel return
International travel is set to resume next year, but it won't be like pre-2020.
From early next year the Government is doing away with managed isolation for most fully vaccinated travellers, and… Audio
More abuse claims likely from former St Peter's students
The revelations of historical abuse at a prominent Waikato boarding school is expected to trigger more claims from former students.
An investigation by St Peter's Cambridge shows 19 boys suffered… Audio
Covid-19: Aucklanders hype for haircuts
Aucklanders can finally get a haircut this week as they get ready for life out of lockdown.
Along with the rest of the country the city will move into the new traffic light Covid-19 system at the end… Audio
'People have been shot' - west Auckland residents on edge
Community nerves are running high in west Auckland after two shootings in as many weeks.
Four people have been charged with murder after father-of-two Robert Hart was shot dead in a New Lynn driveway… Audio
Covid-19: Schools update ahead of reopening
School is back in session for Auckland children who haven't been in a classroom for three months.
From new entrants to Year 10 - 200,000 are allowed back. Reporter Jean Bell was outside Mt Eden… Audio
West Auckland clean-up ongoing, two months after major flood
The clean up continues in West Auckland, two months after severe flooding swallowed parts of the region.
The massive flooding saw dozens of homes evacuated, roads washed out and dealt a heavy blow to… Audio
Auckland businesses urge Ardern to visit Auckland
More information is what some Auckland businesses are calling for after the government announced businesses using the vaccine certificate must have fully vaccinated staff.
And as the city desperately… Video, Audio
Auckland businesses react to 90 percent vaccine target set
Being held hostage by the unvaccinated. That's how some Auckland businesses feel as a 90 percent vaccine target is set for opening up.
Whilst they wait - more support has been announced, but many… Audio
Homeless advocate urges health officials to get on the ground
A homeless advocate hopes health authorities listen to those on the frontline about the best way to reach at-risk communities for vaccination.
In April, Te Tuinga Whānau Trust's Tommy Kapai Wilson… Audio
Te Araroa Trail hikers stuck in Northland lockdown
The walk of a lifetime has come to a shuddering halt for trampers stuck in the upper North Island's alert level 3 lockdowns.
About 650 people are registered to walk the entire Te Araroa Trail - which… Audio
Covid-19: Confusion after Auckland roadmap announcement
Its a government famed for its communication skills, but yesterday's three step plan to ease lockdown restrictions has left many scratching their heads.
Step one includes allowing two households to… Audio
Covid-19: Raglan wakes to alert level 3
The Waikato beachside town of Raglan is waking up under an alert level 3 lockdown after a Covid-19 case popped up in the community yesterday.
The case is one of two detected in the Waikato yesterday… Audio
Auckland Council not keen on govt's Three Waters reforms
Auckland Council is telling the government it is not keen on its Three Waters Reforms.
The proposed changes would see control of drinking, waste and storm water systems be taken from the hands of 67… Audio