29 Middlemore staff have been stood down after being in close contact with a Covid patient.

Businesses across Aotearoa, with the exception of Auckland, have been making preparations to reopen under level 2 conditions.

Though the number of unlinked cases in the Delta outbreak is falling, this group is key to Auckland's alert level settings.

There are 21 new cases in the Delta community outbreak, as all of NZ - except Auckland - will move to alert level 2 from midnight.

Police were called to the Christchurch takeaway restaurant on Tuesday afternoon after reports of disorder.

Two independent reviews have been critical of Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt, but it will be the public in 13 months time who will get to decide if he is up to the job.

ANALYSIS: There are more vaccines on the way – but we don't yet know how many, when, or where they are coming from.

Cantabrians will see better public transport and safer roads in the next three years, but major transport projects have been prioritised elsewhere.

The 42-year-old was arrested after man police and Armed Offenders Squad members were seen at the property on Tuesday morning.

TJ Perenara admits he went through a rough time in Japan. Now he wants to help other fathers in the All Blacks.

Some bars and eateries fear they will struggle to make the rules work for them.

Some are planning to stop paying GST to send a message to the Government.

A Southern District Health Board crown monitor says some people won't survive the two-year wait for help to treat opioid addiction in Southland and Otago.

Visiting restrictions at Palmerston North Hospital will be eased, but still with several rules in place.

Barbers and restaurant owners are preparing to work harder for their money as they open to fewer customers in alert level 2.

Southland Hospital is dealing with a high number of complaints - mostly about postponing surgeries at the last minute.

'We fielded lots of interest': Kiwi driver wasn't short on options for new Supercars seat, manager says.

Heavy rain and strong winds could further impact West Auckland suburbs still cleaning up after last week's storm, MetService says.

The NZ Public Party founder was banned from using the internet after an anti-lockdown protest, but a judge has reinstated his access.

National Party fears fiscal buffer sought in Imprest Supply Bill will amount to 'another big slush fund'.