Port workers around New Zealand who may be handling international goods are declining the Covid-19 vaccine, according to a Gisborne health boss.

The government cannot absolve itself of its responsibility to children, and there needs to be a true partnership with Māori, Children's Minister Kelvin Davis says.

A traveller from the Cook Islands has breached the trans-Tasman travel bubble by flying to Perth from Auckland today without spending two weeks in New Zealand as required.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said in the nine days since the trans-Tasman bubble opened there were 30,000 arrivals in New Zealand.

New Zealanders need to up their game when it comes to exercise to ensure short-term and long-term benefits, according to a health advocate.

Christchurch's long standing medical officer of health has been temporarily reinstated to his role after challenging his dismissal in the Employment Court.

About 135 managed isolation workers will be redeployed after missing a deadline to be vaccinated for Covid-19.

The Waitangi Tribunal has recommended establishing an independent Māori organisation to work out how to eliminate the need for tamariki Māori to be placed in state care.

Testing has found elevated mould levels in several additional areas including two science labs, the dance room, one drama room, the main gym, and the student centre.

A surgeon and a cancer researcher have accused the Ministry of Health of allowing the Southern District Health Board to join the National Bowel Screening Programme too early saying the decision has cost lives.

A 103-year-old time capsule has been discovered by construction workers involved in the redevelopment of the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui.

Construction has begun on a multi-million dollar harbour project in the Bay of Plenty.

Private security company Cityguard has admitted its staff photograph children as well as anyone else involved in incidents they intervene in while on patrol.

No new cases of Covid-19 have been found in managed isolation and there are no new cases in the community, the Health Ministry says.

Former members of the Exclusive Brethren allege the secretive sect is breaking up families, putting members in isolation and attacking their livelihoods in order to maintain control.

A renters group says it is high time the government introduces rent controls, while an economist says such measures will make the housing crisis worse.

Far North kaitiaki are losing their patience with drivers "winging it" to get to Ahipara's surf breaks - they say the number of vehicles getting stranded is growing exponentially.

Police have received more than 50 calls from people offering information about the disappearance of Amber-Lee Cruickshank, since a $100,000 reward was offered a fortnight ago.