Covid 19

An East Coast harbour master is calling for changes to the country's boat ownership rules after a man abandoned his vessel and successfully evaded authorities for 12 months.

A further 14,242 cases of Covid-19 have been reported with 21 more deaths related to the virus and there are also 363 people in hospital. Audio

Epidemiologist Michael Baker says that the country is experiencing its fourth wave of Covid-19 infection and warns people to stay vigilant.

Christopher Luxon says he only spent a week in isolation when he caught Covid-19 because it was mandatory. Audio

New Zealand is being labelled a global oddity and "Hermit Kingdom redux" by opposition parties over the government's decision to extend the Covid-19 isolation rules.

Watch: Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has announced 32 new health sector roles are being added to the Straight to Residence pathway of the Green List to help prepare the health system for the coming… Audio

Most rules have been scrapped, but people still have to self-isolate for seven days if they test positive, and masks must be worn in hospitals in some circumstances. Audio

There were 12,129 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Aotearoa in the week to midnight Sunday, and a further eight deaths.

Restrictions specific to Covid-19 - and not other diseases - cannot last forever, Michael Plank says. Audio

Most pandemic rules were scrapped in September last year, but a mandatory seven-day isolation period remains for those who test positive for the virus. Audio

Cabinet is believed to be reassessing Covid-19 restrictions in coming weeks, but a leading epidemiologist wants them to stay as they are.

Covid-19 is on track to kill some 1000 people this year and cause 10,000 hospitalisations, Professor Michael Baker says.

Jacinda Ardern will largely be remembered as the prime minister whose pandemic-era policies saved thousands of lives, according to former PM Helen Clark. Audio