Charlie Dreaver
Govt's sudden hospital funding boost criticised as too late
The government's sudden boost in hospital funding to prepare for Covid cases is being called overly ambitious - and too late.
The government plans to pump $644 million into ICU capacity and… Audio
Luxon pushes the National Party's 'reset' button
National's new leader Christopher Luxon is promising to turn a party in turmoil into a high-performing team.
The former Air New Zealand chief executive says he will get National fighting fit by the… Audio
Covid-19: Key anti-viral drugs could ease pressure, but they're a while away
As DHBs brace for an influx of Covid-19 cases, the Government is banking on oral anti-viral treatments to help ease the pressure.
However an Infectious Disease expert is warning it could take months… Audio
Government housing density announcement surprises Mayors
The Mayors of some of the country's largest cities have been caught off guard by the Government's housing density announcement.
National and the government have teamed-up to slash red tape by August… Audio
Economists warn rising inflation prices here to stay
Previous claims that a spike in inflation would be short lived are being discarded as economists now warn that rising prices are here to stay.
Inflation has hit its highest level in a decade with… Audio
Covid-19: Differing political opinions on how to encourage vaccination after Super Saturday
Cabinet is set to review alert level three for Auckland, Northland and parts of Waikato on Monday.
There were 92 Covid-19 cases reported over the weekend, while the country held a mass vaccination… Audio
71 new Covid cases in Auckland 'sobering, not unexpected'
"Sobering but not unexpected." That is how health officials are describing today's 71 new Covid-19 community cases.
But there is a warning those numbers will get worse. A big part of the problem is… Audio
Govt finances healthy, but Auckland businesses desperate
There is a tale of two spreadsheets - one healthier than expected, the other needing urgent help.
In Wellington, the government threw open its books, talking of reliance and pandemic bounce-back… Audio
Covid vaccine mandatory for education, healthcare staff
The Covid-19 vaccination is being made mandatory for teachers and frontline workers at schools and early learning centres.
As well as teachers, GPs, midwives and pharmacists are among those who will… Audio
Govt to roll out rapid Covid-19 antigen testing after delay
The government has announced a rapid antigen testing pilot for Covid-19 among private companies, but can offer little detail on how it will work.
It follows a request from 25 of some of the country's… Audio
Vaccine 'passport' raises questions for the unvaccinated
People who still haven't been vaccinated have just weeks to get the Covid jab or risk being locked out of some places.
A vaccine certificate or passport is being rolled out next month.
It'll be… Audio
Govt plea to NZ - get vaccinated, get tested this weekend
The government is telling people to do two things this weekend: get vaccinated and get tested before Monday's alert level decision.
Covid-19 cases have levelled off today with 19 reported in the… Audio
Ardern confirms Auckland border to stay even at level 2
The Prime Minister says the government is giving full consideration to easing restrictions in Auckland, but the border will remain in place.
19 new community cases of Covid-19 have been reported… Audio
Covid-19: National unveils ideas to reopen NZ to world
The National Party wants to open up the country with a plan it says will allow New Zealanders to return home for Christmas.
The party has released a three-step plan to open the borders and stop… Audio
National party's reopening plan
The National Party is proposing opening up the borders under a traffic light system once at least 85 percent of the country's eligible population are vaccinated. National has today released its plan… Audio
Former PM John Key likens NZ to North Korea
Do we live in a 'smug hermit kingdom'?
Former prime minister Sir John Key says we do - stirring debate among politicians, including current National Party leader Judith Collins who says likening New… Audio
Covid-19: Rodney Jones says latest modelling caused 'unnecessary fear'
A Covid-19 modeller has described the Government's release of data on vaccination, disease and deaths rates as a sideshow causing unnecessary fear.
The modelling done by Te Pūnaha Matatini at the… Audio
EV incentives bill passes first reading, despite opposition
The Government's plan to reward people who buy electric or low-emission vehicles and charge more on imports of gas guzzlers is a step closer to becoming law.
The Land Transport Clean Vehicles… Audio
Trans-Tasman bubble plans deferred eight more weeks
The trans-Tasman bubble has no chance of re-inflating for at least another eight weeks.
Meanwhile, with Covid-19 case numbers continuing to increase in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian… Audio
Covid-19: Call for mental health funding for businesses
Stressed owners of small businesses say covid restrictions are pushing them to breaking point and are pleading for more support.
Business New Zealand and the National Party are taking up their cause.
…