New Zealand
Funeral directors, whanau welcome level 2 tangi rule change
Funeral directors and whānau who have relentlessly opposed the ten person limit on funerals and tangi are delighted with the news up to 50 people can now attend the service.
The Health Minister David… Audio
Distancing rules causing problems for buses across NZ
The Ministry of Education says there is no room on school buses for physical distancing when services resume under lockdown level 2.
It is blaming a shortage of drivers and buses for preventing it… Audio
'We're hidden' - unemployed man one of many denied benefit help
A Canterbury man who can't find work or access a benefit says he is part of a growing group of New Zealanders whose unemployment is hidden from any official figures.
Because the man's wife still has… Audio
Evening business for 13 May 2020
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
Waitematā DHB deputy boss apologises to nurses over Covid-19 outbreak
Three nurses at Waitākere hospital likely contracted Covid-19 on a stressful day when a patient died and others were sick and confused, Waitematā DHB says.
A report has been released after an urgent… Video, Audio
Grieving family relieved at change to level 2 tangi rules
The heartbroken whānau of Pukekohe butcher Roy Green say they are relieved the government has loosened restrictions on tangihanga.
The young father and husband died suddenly on Sunday night, leaving… Audio
Health Minister explains new level 2 tangi, funeral rules
Public pressure has forced a quick u-turn from the government over how many people can attend a tangihanga at alert level 2.
The rules initially restricted funeral guests to just 10 because the… Video, Audio
Fiery debate in Parliament over level 2 gathering rules
Public pressure has forced an abrupt u-turn from the government over how many people can attend a tangi at alert level 2.
From Thursday, funeral directors can apply to the Health Ministry to operate… Video, Audio
NZ govt challenged to make economy more equitable for Pasifika
Upending of the economy and society by the Covid-19 pandemic could be an opportunity to reset the New Zealand economy in a more equitable way for Pasifika.
Covid-19: What will supermarkets look like under level 2?
Under Covid-19 lockdown, we learnt how to queue at the shops. So what will a trip to the supermarket look like under level 2? Countdown's Kiri Hannifin talks to Lisa Owen. Video, Audio
Tourism Minister's communication with industry 'chaotic' - Haka Tourism boss
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis does not appear to be up to the job and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern should take over the portfolio, a tour operator says, as the industry faces collapse due to… Video, Audio
Tourism Minister grilled at Epidemic Response Committee
The Tourism Minister is not up to the job and the Prime Minister should take over the portfolio, according to one tour operator.
Haka Tourism offers adventure tours throughout the country, including… Video, Audio
Decades old signage sets tongues wagging in New Plymouth
Renovations on a heritage building in New Plymouth have set tongues wagging after they revealed signage dating back to when the city only had four-digit phone numbers.
Stories have emerged about a… Video, Audio
Dentists, hairdressers prepare for work in masks, gloves
Beauticians, dentists and barbers are getting ready to get back to work, but they are also having to get ready PPE gear for working in close contact with their clients.
Many small businesses have… Audio
Future ownership of Stuff remains unclear
Future ownership of the media company Stuff remains unclear after a tumultuous day on the markets yesterday, and fresh revelations that other buyers are waiting in the wings.
The government is… Audio
Evening business for 12 May 2020
News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio
Rolling visits at tangihanga allowed under Covid-19 level 2
The Prime Minister says rolling tangihanga will be allowed under alert level two, after backlash from Māori over a limit of 10 people.
On Monday Jacinda Ardern said the tangi and funeral limit would… Audio
Covid-19: Schools planning for level 2 reopening
Principals are pondering what to do about bullrush, assemblies and drinking fountains under alert level 2.
They have to ensure the 800,000 children who go back to school on Monday do not break the… Audio
Budget 2020: Health gets major funding boost to fight Covid-19
The health system has received a huge cash boost in an early budget announcement, in part to help it catch up because of Covid-19.
The government will give more than $4 billion to District Health… Audio
Tension in Parliament as level 2 rules hotly debated
The promise not to get political over Covid-19 has gone out the window, with tempers running high in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
The Prime Minister was forced to defend a controversial memo her… Audio