Coronavirus
Grounded Kiwis wins High Court challenge over MIQ
'Not demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society'. Grounded Kiwis has won its High Court challenge against the Minister of Health after claiming the MIQ lottery system failed New… Video, Audio
NZ to move to orange Covid restrictions before Easter
Red Covid restrictions, which meant people had to be seated and separated at a bar or restaurant, are being eased as NZ moves to orange level restrictions.
The whole of New Zealand will move to… Audio
Family does not want anyone put off vaccination, after teen's death
Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says the death of a teenager after having the Covid vaccine is "very sad" and "quite sudden".
He says the Covid Independent Safety Monitoring Board… Audio
Covid-19 update with Dr Andrew Read
Will Covid-19 become an endemic, more agreeably mild virus that we just have to be wary of every winter, like the flu, or - as exemplified by the new XE variant - is this the coronavirus warming up… Audio
How to do a RAT properly - Lisa Owen learns from a pharmacist
There's a call for more pharmacy supervised RATS following concerns about their DIY accuracy. RNZ is aware of people testing negative more than once using RATs, only to be confirmed to be positive… Video, Audio
Physical activity declined through pandemic - Sport NZ survey
Covid-19 has caused some to become couch potatoes. A Sport NZ study shows post the 2020 lockdown, participation in weekly physical activity was down almost six percent on pre-pandemic levels.
The… Audio
Expert calls for pharmacies to do RATs to improve accuracy
An Auckland University epidemiologist wants pharmacies to be doing RATs, to improve the accuracy of tests and better capture the results.
There are increasing reports of people being having the… Audio
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield quits role
From August, the 1pm press conferences won't be the same, after Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield announced he'll step down at the end of July.
Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins has… Audio
Offices lighting up after Omicron peak
Workers in our key business districts are returning to offices of dusty desks, blank screens, and staff rooms that, for once, don't stink of your workmates leftovers.
Now that some vax mandates are a… Audio
Popular Dunedin bar sticks with vaccine passes
A popular Dunedin bar is sticking with vaccine passes even though they are not compulsory anymore.
As of midnight last night - the requirement for passes and most mandates expired.
But for Woof bar… Video, Audio
Night clubs skirt Covid rules by operating as private events
When is a night club not a night club?
A so-called 'grey area' in the Covid-19 rules means some bars and venues have been hosting parties despite the red light setting without enforcing mask-wearing… Audio
Tide of people leaving Auckland increased during pandemic
The tide of people moving out of Auckland for greener pastures in other parts of the country has increased during the pandemic.
At least 24,500 people have left the city in the past two years.
Last… Audio
School leaders prepare for return of unvaccinated staff
From tomorrow, vaccine mandates are gone for teachers, NZ Defence Force, and staff at places you've needed your vax pass.
Teachers who had to stop working because they aren't vaccinated, can begin… Audio
Entertainment company boss responds as Covid red limits remain
All of New Zealand will stay at red in the traffic light system until at least the end of next week.
The Prime Minister says cases are coming down and the country's moving in the right direction -… Video, Audio
Vaccine passes to go from hospitality, gyms, venues
My Vaccine Passes will no longer be mandatory at bars, cafes, gyms and venues from tomorrow, to the relief of some business owners. But mask mandates and capacity limits stay in place for now. Katie… Video, Audio
Covid Minister on decision to keep NZ at red limits
The entire country will stay at the red traffic light setting for at least another ten days as the Prime Minister warns New Zealand is not out of the woods yet.
Cabinet ministers reviewed the… Video, Audio
Long Covid: Experts warn against exercising too soon after virus
New Zealand has reported its highest daily death toll for Covid-19 so far, with 34 people reported dead on Tuesday.
Twenty-seven of the 34 who died with Covid over the past 10 days were aged over… Audio
Auckland CBD outlets hope for returning workers, tourists
Auckland City's golden mile has yet to stage its own recovery from lockdowns and the exodus of thousands of inner city workers.
Two years into the pandemic, dozens of shops remain empty on the main… Video, Audio
What hygiene habits will we keep as Covid restrictions ease?
It's two years today since the country was plunged into level four lockdown.
Hand sanitiser became the hottest property in town.
We queued outside the supermarket. We went for walks, and more walks… Audio
Restrictions loosen as winter on way - immunologist's analysis
From midnight all crowd limits are off for outside events as Covid restrictions are loosened.
Most vaccine mandates and vaccine passes go on April 4. But winter is on the way and we've still got… Video, Audio