Today's 2522 new Covid-19 cases are the highest daily numbers so far in the pandemic, but the 100 people in hospital today is also the largest total of the outbreak.

Some residents around Parliament worry about leaving their houses, while police say they will clamp down on abusive behaviour and protesters demand all charges be dropped against those arrested.

An escaped prisoner who fled Rimutaka Prison in Upper Hutt was arrested in central Masterton today.

New Zealand's daily Covid-19 numbers have surpassed the 2000 mark for the first time, with a record 2522 new community cases reported today.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) received more than 7400 Great Walk booking cancellations between 1 December and 28 February.

Police say one person has died following a serious crash on Happy Valley Road in Owhiro Bay this morning.

Wellington's mayor has said "we want our streets" back as the Covid-19 policy protest nears the end of its second week outside Parliament.

Plans to upgrade the country's next Great Walk are out for tender, with hopes the project remains on track.

Resealing work along State Highway 6, south of Nelson will take part in stages next week to prevent the road from closing, but motorists are being warned to expect their journey to take longer than usual.

Parts of Northland could be in for a stormy afternoon.

A kiwi hatching facility has marked its 200th hatchling in just over two years of operating.

Concerned residents from the Manawatū town of Feilding are urging the regional council to hold public hearings about a proposed waste-to-energy plant.

A report released by advocacy group Grounded Kiwis suggest the MIQ booking system led to stress and mental health impacts for 78 percent of those who used it.

There were chances to prevent an Islamophobic assault at a Dunedin school, but they were not acted on, a member of Dunedin's Muslim community says.

Water tankers have left four south Wellington suburbs now that the mains supply has been restored.

Two people were killed in car crashes in Ōamaru and Manawatū last night.

Police have moved to start clearing up the roads near Parliament in Wellington, where protesters have clogged the roads with vehicles for over a week.

Some brands of powdered infant formula, only available online to New Zealanders, are being recalled due to possible cronobacter and salmonella contamination.