Michael Barnett

The Auckland Business Chamber wants the Government to allow household contacts of Covid-19 cases to come back to work.

That's despite modelling which suggests Aotearoa is at the beginning of a second… Audio

Even after the government announced it was relaxing Covid restrictions on Wednesday, business leaders responded with a familiar call for more freedom. But looser restrictions haven't shored up their… Audio

Experts warn the highly transmissible Omicron variant poses a serious risk to a largely unrestricted summer.

The number of cases caught at the border are rising sparking fears it's only a matter of… Audio

Auckland's economic development agency is warning more businesses will close for good if the city doesn't move to Covid-19 traffic level light orange in a fortnight.

The actual number of financially… Audio

After nearly three months in lockdown, Auckland business owners are breathing a sigh of relief, sort of.

From 11.59 on Tuesday, Auckland will move to Alert Level 3, step 2 - allowing retail to reopen… Audio

The police union says it will be impossible to manage the Auckland's Covid boundary over summer. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said a hard perimeter is staying, and Aucklanders will have to show… Video, Audio

It's been almost nine weeks in the trenches for Auckland businesses physically shut due to Covid restrictions and still there's no date for when they will be able to open to customers.

There are… Audio

If you have battled the supermarket queues, you might be wondering why you cannot just go to your local fruit and vege store or the neighbourhood butcher.

It all comes down to an extensive list on… Video, Audio

Last night the Prime Minister announced Auckland will be returning to Alert Level 3 lockdown for at least the next week. Auckland Business Chamber CEO Michael Barnett looks at the likely economic… Audio

Auckland's lockdown will cause barely a ripple to the economy if restrictions can ease at midnight on Wednesday.

That's the take of ASB bank who say any spending freeze this week can be caught up on… Audio

Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett discusses what a three-day lockdown will mean for the city's economy. Audio

Our weekend panelists  Dame Diane Robertson and Michael Barnett discuss the Royal Commission into the Christchurch mosque shootings, fireworks, housing, Auckland's roads and the lingering effects of… Audio

Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett talks to Philippa Tolley about the impact of the latest Covid outbreak in the central city. Audio

One sudden gust of wind and traffic around New Zealand's biggest city goes into a chaotic meltdown. How long will it take to fix the Auckland Harbour Bridge and why can't it be faster?  Audio

The Government is once again balancing public health, political pressure, and economic realities as it considers when the Covid-19 Alert Levels can change again.

Auckland businesses, which have… Audio

Michael Barnett joins Jesse following the Prime Minister's announcement on extending alert levels. Audio

The Restaurant Association is calling for the government to subsidise the cost of meals in restaurants and cafes - similar to the British "Eat out to help out" scheme. The Restaurant Association says… Audio

The Auckland Business Chamber fears some Auckland companies will not survive the second round of Alert Level 3 restrictions.

While supermarkets are allowed to open, the rules exclude other businesses… Audio

The Auckland Business Chamber says the cost of Alert Level 3 for retail, hospitality and manufacturers is too high.

It claims the rules for businesses are confusing and many workplaces are being told… Audio

Auckland businesses are bracing for another hit as the region moves into Level 3 this morning. Audio