Katie Scotcher

At one minute to midnight the country moves into its second phase of tackling Omicron daily cases hit almost 1000.

The shift will mean shorter isolation periods, increased use of rapid antigen tests… Audio

Efforts to drive out anti-vaccine and anti-mandate protesters from Parliament's grounds failed over the weekend, with hundreds still camped out on the lawn.

The Speaker of the House used a variety of… Audio

A hard core of protesters is refusing to budge from Parliament four days into the demonstration - with more people still arriving.

Despite being trespassed they're digging in for the weekend.

The… Audio

The plan to reopen New Zealand's border is the light at the end of the tunnel many sectors have been crying out for.

But industries grappling with critical labour shortages say the timing of the plan… Audio

The jury is out on the government's newly unveiled income insurance scheme that's been developed in conjunction with unlikely bedfellows Business New Zealand and the Council of Trade Unions.

The… Audio

Workers who have been made redundant or who have to stop working for health reasons could receive 80 percent of their usual salary for up to seven months, under a proposed new government scheme. The… Audio

The Government is not budging on its promise to leave the retirement age unchanged, despite renewed warnings superannuation's rising cost could become unsustainable.

There have long been calls to… Audio

A New Zealand woman was forced to care for her new-born in the NICU without any family support because her multiple attempts at securing an emergency MIQ room were rejected.

There are growing calls… Audio

Doctors are warning they won't be able to help all of their patients when there are thousands of daily Omicron infections.

The warning follows the announcement of the Government's three-phase plan to… Audio

New Zealanders overseas will learn in a matter of weeks when they can return home without booking a stay in an MIQ facility.

They've been waiting for an exact date ever since the government delayed… Audio

New Zealanders are being urged to prepare for potentially thousands of daily Covid-19 infections once the Omicron variant starts spreading in the community.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern set out the… Audio

The Labour Party caucus is meeting today in New Plymouth for its annual get-together.

And midway through the retreat, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will also announce if Northland will move to… Audio

In Focus on politics, RNZ's political team catch up with the minor party leaders to discuss 2021, potential allies, and Covid-19. Audio

After a long, exhausting and punishing year in politics, MPs have returned home for what will hopefully be a quiet summer break.

So much has happened in 2021 it's hard to keep track.

Luckily… Audio

The Government will create a new, independent redress system for survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based institutions.

It will be developed in collaboration with survivors, Maori… Audio

Tens of thousands of people who've had trouble obtaining a vaccine pass have been issued a temporary one, as the Ministry of Health struggles to keep up with processing demands.

New Zealand is now in… Audio

The beleaguered National Party has pinned its hopes on a political novice to resurrect its fortunes and win the next election.

The former Air New Zealand boss Christopher Luxon was elected… Audio

Back to Bridges, or take off for Christopher Luxon? Phones are running hot as the National Party search for a fourth leader in under two years.

RNZ understands former leader Simon Bridges wants his… Audio

National Party MPs are jostling and angling for who will take over the party leadership, after they rolled Judith Collins yesterday.

They're due to regroup and decide on Tuesday.

Until then, Shane… Audio