Aotearoa is heading into the middle of winter, Covid-19 case numbers are rising, and health professionals warn it could mean a return to red restrictions.

The Pfizer vaccine does not work "that well" against the new Omicron BA.5 variant but still offers the best protection, immunologist professor Graham Le Gros says.

Overtime, staffing issues and a lack of mental health support are among the reasons members of the Firefighter's Union have gone on strike.

Hundreds of data quality issues with the clean car discount scheme have now been resolved, officials say.

Building owners do not need to rush tenants out of earthquake-prone buildings, but should rather allow them time to make alternative arrangements, new guidelines state.

The Health and Disability Commissioner has made an example of a psychiatrist who did not warn a patient that her medication could cause birth defects.

A police officer tested positive for Covid-19 days after an angry woman detained in the back of a patrol car intentionally breathed in his face.

The chances of a volcanic eruption on Mt Ruapehu have lowered, with the alert level dropping to one.

A group of women gathered to protest outside the US consulate today, condemning the overturning of the Roe vs Wade ruling that guaranteed access to abortions

A sub-tropical weather system, which has recently caused flooding in New South Wales, is forecast to bring a wet week to northern and central New Zealand.

The Ministry of Health is also reporting an increase in the number of Covid-19-positive Waitematā inpatients, including an outbreak at a community site.

Over 25,500 submissions have been received so far on the Christchurch stadium decision.

New Zealand is facing a second wave of coronavirus infections as cases of the Omicron subvariant BA.5 spread around the country.

Teachers at early childhood centres say they have been sworn at, abused in front of children and some have felt suicidal.

Eight cafe workers awarded nearly $150,000 after they were abruptly sacked just ahead of the first nationwide Covid-19 lockdown are yet to see the money.

Firefighters have been expressing anger for months at what they say is mismanagement of the fleet, a claim Fire and Emergency NZ rejects.

Police are seeking information from the public that may assist their investigation into the death of a woman in Gisborne yesterday.

A former New Plymouth mayor has criticised the council for lack of transparency about why its chief executive is absent from his post.