Omicron
Hipkins 'disappointed' Omicron-infected DJ didn't follow rules
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says he's disappointed the British DJ at the centre of an Omicron community scare didn't follow isolation rules.
Robert Ethridge
The British DJ at the centre of this event says he has been the target of hate and abuse online. Audio
Locations of Interest
There are five locations of interest as a result of the Omicron case in the community. Audio
Chris Hipkins
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins gave an update to reporters about an hour ago. Audio
The US year in review with Karen Kasler
Our US correspondent Karen Kasler, who is the Ohio Statehouse Bureau chief, joins the show for the last time this year, talking about the state of America and the big stories that are in play there at… Audio
The Weekend Panel with Lynda Hallinan and Chris Wikaira
Joining us on the panel this morning are Lynda Hallinan and Chris Wikaira. Among other topics, they'll be discussing Omicron threatening to cast a shadow over Summer, and whether the tide is turning… Audio
Prof Gary McLean on the rise and (eventual) fall of Omicron
We may think we have a handle on the Omicron variant, but are we sure? People are certainly being hospitalised, and some are dying, albeit thankfully in low numbers. Professor Gary McLean joins the… Audio
Omicron's here: should boosters be brought forward urgently?
A Covid modeller says the virus booster programme should be rolled out as soon as possible saying without it, we could see tens of thousands of cases a day of the new omicron variant. Cabinet… Audio
Omicron can be kept out of NZ - Professor Baker
Omicron has arrived but it does not have to get into New Zealand, Professor Michael Baker has told Checkpoint. Video, Audio
Omicron case found in Sudima MIQ, moved to quarantine
Omicron has arrived in New Zealand - carried to a Christchurch MIQ facility by a recent returnee.
The case arrived on a flight from Germany - via Dubai - and landed in Auckland before being… Audio
Australia braces for thousands more daily Covid cases
To Australia, where officials are bracing for tens of thousands of Covid cases a day in coming weeks. It comes as states begin easing restrictions - despite a surge in cases, many the Omicron variant… Video, Audio
Australia nears Covid crisis mode
New South Wales is being warned it could see 25,000 cases a day by the end of January. The state has recorded its highest daily total in more than three months - yet new freedoms have come into effect… Audio
Science commentator Siouxsie Wiles
Siouxsie joins Kathryn with an update on Omicron and vaccines for children. And she'll detail research into an mRNA vaccine against HIV that is showing promise in animal studies. Associate Professor… Audio
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst
Annika joins Kathryn to look at the reopening of state borders, with tearful scenes at airports in Queensland and confirmation Western Australia will open its border again for the first time in two… Audio
Grounded Kiwis hope MIQ petition succeeds despite Omicron
Grounded Kiwis are hoping their calls for changes to MIQ take flight and the threat of Omicron does not cause delays.
A petition with almost 23,000 signatures has been delivered to Parliament asking… Video, Audio
Covid-19 update with Professor Michael Baker
Professor Michael Baker is back with us to discuss the Omicron variant, the increased risks Covid survivors face, and the idea that the time of day a person receives their vaccine has an impact on the… Audio
UK correspondent Matthew Parris
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about the controversy over a Christmas party held at Number 10 Downing St last year in contravention of Covid rules. Audio
WHO public health expert on the risk of Omicron
As more countries around the world report cases of Omicron, much remains unknown about the new Covid-19 variant. It's less than two weeks since Omicron was designated a "variant of concern" by the… Audio