MetService Auckland weather: January 28th

January 27 2022 PM Jacinda Ardern said that although Omicron could be a milder illness for some people, the Government was expecting many more cases and that would put pressure on the health system.

Government in hot water with Waitangi Tribunal, festival-goers test positive for Covid and the Brian Tamaki saga continue in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

Southern bottlenose whale dies after becoming stranded on South Beach in Timaru. Video / Supplied

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki left without speaking to supporters when he was released from Auckland’s Mt Eden Corrections Facility following his successful appeal against being remanded in custody. Video / The Freedoms & Rights Coalition via facebook / NZ Herald

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that there are 23 new community cases of Covid-19. Video / NZ Herald

All you need to know about the new mask-wearing protocol as Omicron cases increase and the country settles into the orange setting of the traffic light system. Video / NZ Herald

January 26 2022 The Government has released its three-phased approach in how it will tackle the Omicon variant spreading through the community.

MetService National weather: January 26th - 28th.

New mask mandates, schools prepare for teaching under red and Russia massing troops on the Ukraine border in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

January 25 2022 PM Jacinda Ardern said Cabinet has decided to update mask mandates as Omicron cases in the community increase. Masks must now be worn at businesses which serve food and drink, the PM said.

There are 10 new Omicron cases to report today. Video / NZ Herald

MetService National weather: January 25th - 27th

A new vaccination centre opens in Auckland's Westgate Tuesday morning to meet the demand for boosters and child jabs. Video / NZ Herald

Kiwis stay welcome in the Cook Islands, Australia offers testing advice and Upper Hutt fire under control in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

There are eight new cases of Omicron to report today. Video / NZ Herald

Videos circulating on social media show homeless people in Auckland being taunted. Video / Supplied

Supermarket shelves have been stripped empty in many supermarkets across the country following Sunday's announcement. Video / NZ Herald

A plane takes off from a make-shift airstrip, beside the existing strip which is the focus of the legal action. Video / Supplied

January 23 2022 PM Jacinda Ardern today announced a three-stage plan to combat Omicron - with further details to be revealed on Wednesday.

National Party leader Chris Luxon says rest homes, retirement villages and at-risk communities must be flooded with boosters if New Zealand is to withstand Omicron.

PM Jacinda Ardern has cancelled her wedding to partner Clarke Gayford, as the country prepares to move to red traffic light setting at 11:59pm tonight.

January 23 2022 PM Jacinda Ardern has confirmed New Zealand will move to the red traffic light setting at midnight tonight.

Over 8000 participants have started their runs in the Auckland Marathon as the event celebrates its 30th year.

A bush fire in Upper Hutt that was thought to be under control yesterday afternoon flared up again overnight. Video / David Nicholas / @ichaber via Twitter / Chris Mills

It’s time to think about lunchboxes, homework and after-school activities again. Video / NZ Herald

A large blaze near a wastewater treatment plant in Taupo prompted evacuations and a large emergency services response. Video / @ANRKE_17 via Twitter / Paula Pardoe / Bailey Nichol / Underground Taupo

Police report reckless driving at gang-related tangi on North Shore. Video / Brett Phibbs

Once Omicron transmission is detected in the community, all of NZ will move to the red setting of the traffic light system. Video / NZ Herald