Covid
Pacific people always likely to be worst-affected by pandemic - Covid inquiry
The first part of New Zealand's Commission of Inquiry into the Covid response says a disproportionate share of the health burden fell on Pacific peoples and Māori. Audio
NZ ill prepared for COVID variant due to cost cutting - expert
Cost cutting means New Zealand is ill prepared for an outbreak of a new covid variant, despite the virus still being the number one infectious disease killer, according to well known Otago University… Audio
RATs, vaccines and Covid funding: What you need to know
Explainer - Here's what we know about the government's Covid plans for the next four years.
Covid FLiRT variants: What you need to know
The dominant Covid subvariant has mutated, giving rise to several new lineages, known as "FLiRT".
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
