Chris Hipkins

The Covid-19 Response Minister says there could well be "quite significant" rates of Covid-19 in the community once returning New Zealanders can self-isolate at the end of the month.

In just over… Audio

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says people travelling to New Zealand do not currently need to have had their booster shots, but he's not ruling it out for the future.

He spoke to Checkpoint… Video, Audio

The government is tightening its rules for mask use under the 'red' traffic light setting. Masks must now be worn in all food and drink venues, close-proximity businesses, events and gatherings.

The… Video, Audio

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins is warning the public to expect large number of Covid-19 cases, and not to rely on masks to stop it.

The entire country is now in red traffic light setting… Audio

Parliament finished its year with a final debate: a chance for a last laugh, a litany of thanks, and a quick punch in the conk. And many wishes for a good break after a hard year.  Audio

"All over bar the shouting" might refer to many final weeks in Parliament, but this year the MPs still have an ambitious legislative agenda and just two days to get it all done. Audio

Hipkins has told Checkpoint government would give "at least a week's notice" if they change the decision around reopening the border for travellers from Australia.

"We set a check-in time and what we… Video, Audio

Political pressure is building for Auckland's Covid boundary to be ditched immediately following revelations health officials recommended the invisible wall come down as soon as the traffic light… Video, Audio

Parliament has reached the penultimate week of its year. You might think it was winding down but the to-do list is still prodigious. Audio

Some ministers and ministries have special powers to unilaterally make new laws. And a small group of lawyerly MPs have the job of breaking out the microscope and checking they do it right.   Audio

After almost four months in lockdown, Auckland bars, cafes and restaurants are opening for table service today.

It's a major milestone for the country's largest city, which has been eagerly awaiting… Audio

There are now more than 200 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the world - with a further 1200 probable cases.

In South Africa, where the variant was first identified, 124 cases have been… Audio

There's a mixed mood among New Zealanders abroad as they digest the major border changes announced by the government. Audio

The Speaker is the guardian, champion and referee of parliamentary process, but he also coaches the foot soldiers in the arts of battle - individually or en masse. Audio