Omicron
RATs, Omicron and the major shift in our Covid-19 testing plan
The shift away from more sensitive PCR tests to rapid antigen tests marks a significant change in New Zealand's Covid-19 strategy. The Detail takes a closer look at what it means in the midst of the… Audio
Plea for city workers to return to the office, as CBDs turn into ghost towns
One of the country's largest commercial landlords wants to see businesses encourage workers back into central city offices, before it's too late. Many CBD employees have been working from home in the… Audio
The Best Song Ever Written: Laura Daniel
Actor and comedian Laura Daniel joins the show to discuss what she has on at the moment, her desire to get overseas to perform, and why 'King of Wishful Thinking' by Go West should be viewed as one of… Audio
Covid-19 update with Professor Gary McLean
Omicron case numbers are rocketing in this country, as we thought they would. Is there anything else we need to be aware of prior to about half of us getting infected? New Zealander Dr Gary McLean is… Audio
Omicron sweeping through universities
Universities are steeling themselves for Omicron outbreaks within their student populations, with an outbreak already tearing through Otago University's student precinct. All of the country's eight… Audio
NZ moves to Phase 3 of Omicron Response
With daily Covid cases setting new daily records, from midnight tonight, New Zealand moves to phase 3 of the traffic light system. With more than 6000 cases, and one more death, we now have 205 people… Audio
Science with Siouxsie Wiles
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about why a booster shot is important in this omicron outbreak, and the differences between the BA.1 and BA.2 strains of omicron. Associate… Audio
More Covid-19 awareness needed for Pasifika communities
Pasifika health professionals are working hard to inform and educate their communities about the current Omicron outbreak and the importance of getting all three jabs to protect themselves and their… Audio
Vaccine mandates to be lifted after worst of Omicron - PM
Vaccine mandates will be lifted once New Zealand is past the worst of the omicron outbreak.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the commitment this afternoon but wouldn't put a date on when exactly it… Audio
Inmate Covid cases double at NZ's only privately-run prison
The number of inmates infected with Covid has doubled in just a few days inside the country's only privately run prison.
There's now 109 inmates who are positive at the Auckland South Corrections… Video, Audio
Govt pledges new funding for businesses under Omicron
The Prime Minister is warning people to "brace" for the next six weeks, and the peak of Omicron spread.
Jacinda Ardern says the rules around vaccine mandates will ease in some areas, but only once… Video, Audio
The move to getting married on weekdays
More and more couples are tapping into a trend of choosing weekdays for their weddings. Kay Gregory is one of New Zealand's best known marriage celebrants. She says roughly 75% of her bookings are now… Audio
Immunologist on health reasons for vaccine mandates
Immunisation Advisory Centre Medical Advisor Professor Peter McIntyre has told Checkpoint there has been "mandate creep" in schools where children are not mandated to be vaccinated, but are being… Video, Audio
Isolation help offered as Omicron continues creep through community
Omicron is continuing its silent creep through the community - with almost 2,000 cases reported today.
There are 73 people in hospital with the virus and one in ICU. The high demand for tests has… Video, Audio
Pasifika told to brace for Omicron surge
Pasifika communities in New Zealand are being hit hard by the Omicron outbreak. Audio
Queenstown urges more govt help as isolation forces closures
Queenstown hospitality is calling out for government support during the Omicron surge as isolation requirements push more to the brink.
Restaurants are cutting back hours and closing their doors to… Audio
First day of Phase 2: Getting used to Covid-19
A new Covid-19 record today - as daily case numbers cross the 1000 mark for the first time.
At least 1,160 new cases have been recorded in the community - bringing the total cases to more than… Audio
Home isolation: what support should be available?
The country has moved to phase two of its omicron response meaning shorter isolation times and more relaxed rules around contact tracing. There are an estimated 2658 people self iolating around the… Audio
RATs and lanyards keep top cheese company rolling in Phase 2
Whitestone Cheese is relying on RATs to keep it going under phase 2 of the Omicron response.
Whitestone Cheese has sourced the rapid antigen tests itself and is waiting to be confirmed as a critical… Video, Audio
NZ readies for Phase 2 of Omicron outbreak
As the Omicron outbreak rapidly expands, New Zealand is readying for the next stage of its Covid-19 response - Phase 2.
981 new cases were recorded in the community today, bringing the total number… Audio