Covid
Covid variants, vaccines, and Christmas: What you need to know
Explainer: The virus is making headlines again in the lead up to Christmas. Here's what's going on, and what you need to know.
Christmas conundrums, from gifts to parties to avoiding Covid: What you need to know
Explainer - The approaching holiday season is a time of joy. But it also involves a few tricky questions. From family gatherings to avoiding Covid and even navigating grief, RNZ is here to help. Audio
Joe Bennett
Joe Bennett's weekly column is a delight. In a media world dominated by opinion pieces, influencers, pompous "reckons' and trivial drivel, Joe seems happy to provide short , funny - often thoughtful -… Audio
Immunisation expert calls for Covid-19 response to focus on elderly, most at-risk
An epidemiologist says it's time to 'de-prioritise' the response to Covid 19 - a disease he says will now be no worse than the flu for the majority of the population.
There has been a surge in cases… Audio
Crunch-time for Greytown apple orchard
It's a return to the old days for the Cooke family of Greytown who are inviting people to come with their buckets and baskets to pick their own apples fresh off the tree. It's been a struggle for… Audio
Asia correspondent Elizabeth Beattie
Tokyo based journalist Elizabeth Beattie talks Kathryn about China's annual "two sessions" meetings, and the latest from the G20 meeting in India where the war in Ukraine remains a dividing and key… Audio
Air New Zealand's boss on flying over Christmas + Covid recovery
Many of us will be taking to the skies this week in the pre-Christmas rush - but there's been added pressure on airlines in the leadup to it. The aviation industry has struggled with the scale-up… Audio
Around the motu: Felix Desmarais in Rotorua
Emergency housing in motels has been a huge issue in Rotorua for three years, starting in the first Covid lockdown and it has proliferated since then. Felix says the main issue is its concentration… Audio
Long Covid, long tail: Long summer of infection concerns
Immunologist Anna Brooks talks to Kathryn about how New Zealand is coping with the pandemic's enduring impact and she looks ahead to what could be a deadly summer of reinfection. With restrictions… Audio
Health Ministry warns of Covid surge in Christmas season
A tray of RAT tests could be passed around with the nibbles and bubbly at Christmas parties this year.
The Ministry of Health is finalising its official advice for the festive season - as Covid case… Audio
The Week in Detail: Policy scrambles, sorcery violence
The Detail podcast brings you the issues behind the news every weekday. Here's what we covered this week. Audio
Government says no plans at this stage for annual Covid-19 booster for most people
Despite rising Omicron case numbers, hospitalisations and reinfections, the government has no plans to launch an annual Covid vaccination booster for the majority of people.
But the minister in… Video, Audio
New Covid-19 wave in Europe pushing up hospitalisations
A new wave of Covid-19 is emerging in Europe, with a corresponding bump in hospitalisations.
The World Health Organisation says it's clear the pandemic is not over yet and it is seeing indicators… Video, Audio
Dunedin man's death rare reaction to Covid-19 vaccine - coroner
A coroner has ruled Dunedin plumber, Rory Nairn, died from myocarditis caused by the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
However, an immunologist says the tragedy shouldn't change how people view the vaccine.
… Audio
Long Covid adds strain to Chronic Fatigue support services
Long Covid is adding strain to support services for those suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
For decades those with the condition have been fighting for it to be recognised. They're now calling… Video, Audio
Masks now mostly a choice - how are NZers facing the change?
It's the first day of basically choosing whether or not you wear a mask after pretty much all Covid restrictions lifted at midnight on Tuesday morning.
Masks are still a must in medical or aged care… Video, Audio
Government considering ending mask mandate in most settings
The government may be close to removing the mask mandate in all but the most high-risk health settings. This week, the Ministry of Disabled People sent an email to disability support providers asking… Audio
Helping children overcome the impact of covid
Kathryn talks with parenting coach and education consultant Joseph Driessen about helping children overcome the effects of the Covid epidemic, at home, at school, and with their friends. Audio
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield signs off
'Kia ora koutou katoa' - a phrase Dr Ashley Bloomfield uttered more than 300 times as he fronted Covid media conferences through the last two and a half years.
His image was turned into tea towels… Video, Audio
Experts warn parents to watch for long Covid signs in children
As schools head back for term three experts are warning parents and teachers to watch out for long Covid symptoms in children.
While research suggests it's less likely for a child to get long Covid… Audio