Political reporter, NZ Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![No new Covid community cases but 'we're not out of the woods' - Bloomfield](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new Covid community cases but 'we're not out of the woods' - Bloomfield
Lack of new cases was encouraging, says health boss.
!['The judgment of the entire nation' - PM on Covid rulebreakers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
'The judgment of the entire nation' - PM on Covid rulebreakers
PM says she knows many New Zealanders were upset and angry about Covid rulebreakers.
![No new community cases; 21 MIT students sought; 25,000 vehicles stopped](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new community cases; 21 MIT students sought; 25,000 vehicles stopped
The latest community case is now in quarantine in Auckland.
![One new Covid community case linked to Auckland Valentine's Day outbreak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
One new Covid community case linked to Auckland Valentine's Day outbreak
The update will be in a Ministry of Health statement.
![No new Covid cases in community, possible genomic link to MIQ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new Covid cases in community, possible genomic link to MIQ
Hipkins and Bloomfield are giving the 1pm Covid update.
![Auckland moving to level 2, rest of NZ to level 1 - despite third new Covid case today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Auckland moving to level 2, rest of NZ to level 1 - despite third new Covid case today
Auckland moves to alert level 2 at midnight and the rest of the country to alert level 1.
![No new Covid cases, but 'too soon to speculate' about alert levels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new Covid cases, but 'too soon to speculate' about alert levels
More than 3000 people were swabbed in a testing blitz.
![First vaccine doses arrive, PM vows to leave 'no stone unturned' in Covid investigation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
First vaccine doses arrive, PM vows to leave 'no stone unturned' in Covid investigation
Current alert levels will remain in place.
![No new Covid community cases; Six contacts of Akl family test negative](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new Covid community cases; Six contacts of Akl family test negative
The community cases plunged Auckland into a 72-hour lockdown.
![Woo-hoo! No new cases of Covid today; Pullman CCTV to get overhaul](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Woo-hoo! No new cases of Covid today; Pullman CCTV to get overhaul
Hipkins and Bloomfield provide update on the response to last week's community cases.
![No new Covid cases after testing blitz; MIQ bedroom 'encounter' revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new Covid cases after testing blitz; MIQ bedroom 'encounter' revealed
Zero new cases give reassurance for Aucklanders wanting to travel for the long weekend.
![Live: Hundreds swamp testing stations - latest results; tougher rules for MIQ guests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Live: Hundreds swamp testing stations - latest results; tougher rules for MIQ guests
Hipkins and Bloomfield are giving the 1pm press briefing on the Auckland Covid cases.
![Close contacts of Covid case test negative, woman now 'recovered'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Close contacts of Covid case test negative, woman now 'recovered'
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said this was 'encouraging'.
!['That could be us tomorrow': What Sydney's Covid-19 outbreak means for NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
'That could be us tomorrow': What Sydney's Covid-19 outbreak means for NZ
Michael Baker wants returnees to isolate before getting on the plane.
![Latest Covid case infected by neighbour; 1 new case at the border](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Latest Covid case infected by neighbour; 1 new case at the border
Today's case arrived from Singapore on November 11.
![AUT student's neighbour confirmed as a new Covid-19 case after investigation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
AUT student's neighbour confirmed as a new Covid-19 case after investigation
Person's initial test was negative, 2nd test was a weak positive, that is now confirmed.
![New Covid case linked to Defence cluster; full list of sites visited](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
New Covid case linked to Defence cluster; full list of sites visited
New Auckland case confirmed link to Defence cluster, Govt to make compulsory mask order.
![CBD staff should work from home if they can, Covid case's movements revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
CBD staff should work from home if they can, Covid case's movements revealed
The latest on the new Auckland Covid case revealed today.
![Covid outbreak: Apartment residents mixed with isolation hotel guests, residents claim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Covid outbreak: Apartment residents mixed with isolation hotel guests, residents claim
The person is a student at AUT University.
![New poll shows majority of Kiwis voted 'yes' in euthanasia referendum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
New poll shows majority of Kiwis voted 'yes' in euthanasia referendum
David Seymour said the results were 'very encouraging'.
![One new Covid case today: Young boy in managed isolation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
One new Covid case today: Young boy in managed isolation
Director general of health hosting a 1pm press conference.
![No new community Covid cases, just one in managed isolation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new community Covid cases, just one in managed isolation
How many new cases of Covid-19 are there?
![Watch: Contact of engineer tests positive; 8 new cases at border](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Watch: Contact of engineer tests positive; 8 new cases at border
The total number of active cases in New Zealand is 66.
!['Level 1 plus': 2 new imported Covid cases; cases on Oz ship linked to NZ port worker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
'Level 1 plus': 2 new imported Covid cases; cases on Oz ship linked to NZ port worker
Ashley Bloomfield says there is a stronger emphasis on masks and the Covid Tracer app.
![Going down - Auckland moving to alert level 2 and NZ to level 1; No new Covid cases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Going down - Auckland moving to alert level 2 and NZ to level 1; No new Covid cases
Cabinet will review the alert levels again on Monday, October 5.
![One new Covid case at border; Grieving family's message after 25th death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
One new Covid case at border; Grieving family's message after 25th death
'Coronavirus is so real and to be vigilant and cautious' - grieving family's message.
![12 more days - NZ to stay at level 2 and Auckland at 2.5](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
12 more days - NZ to stay at level 2 and Auckland at 2.5
There are five new Covid cases today - three in the community.
![Nine new cases; 'Not OK' to keep kids away from school - Government](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Nine new cases; 'Not OK' to keep kids away from school - Government
Three of the new community cases are linked to the Mt Roskill church.
![Auckland lockdown lifts tonight: 13 new cases, 11 in the community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Auckland lockdown lifts tonight: 13 new cases, 11 in the community
There are now 133 cases linked to Auckland cluster and 18 to Mt Roskill "mini-cluster".
![7 new Covid cases; church 'mini cluster' won't delay level 2 move: Hipkins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
7 new Covid cases; church 'mini cluster' won't delay level 2 move: Hipkins
The number of cases linked to a Mt Roskill wedding and church services has grown.
![Seven new virus cases linked to cluster; PM on Collins' 'part-time' minister comment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Seven new virus cases linked to cluster; PM on Collins' 'part-time' minister comment
Two of the new cases are linked to churches and two are household contacts.
![Nine new Covid cases today, 8 linked to Auckland cluster](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Nine new Covid cases today, 8 linked to Auckland cluster
There are 10 people in hospital, including two in intensive care.
![New cluster now at 78 after 5 new cases; lift possible source of case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
New cluster now at 78 after 5 new cases; lift possible source of case
All new cases are related to the community cluster in Auckland.
![Watch: Election delayed until October - and won't be pushed back again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Watch: Election delayed until October - and won't be pushed back again
Election has been pushed back by a month.
![13 new cases: 'Vile slurs' - social media warnings after family targeted; coolstore the best lead in outbreak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
13 new cases: 'Vile slurs' - social media warnings after family targeted; coolstore the best lead in outbreak
How many new cases of Covid-19 are there today?
![13 new Covid cases in community; Blunder enrages school](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
13 new Covid cases in community; Blunder enrages school
Ashley Bloomfield is revealing the results of another day of mass testing at 1pm today
![Return of a Covid cluster - NZ to learn lockdown fate at 5.30pm Friday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Return of a Covid cluster - NZ to learn lockdown fate at 5.30pm Friday
Today's results reveal the first trends from mass testing.
![Auckland in lockdown, rest of country in level 2 after community transmission](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Auckland in lockdown, rest of country in level 2 after community transmission
It comes after four cases of community transmission.
![Every Kiwi home needs masks - Health Minister; no new Covid cases today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Every Kiwi home needs masks - Health Minister; no new Covid cases today
The Government will reveal which alert levels would require mass masking.
![Security guards fall asleep on the job at isolation hotels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Security guards fall asleep on the job at isolation hotels
Megan Woods will answer questions about charging returnees.
![PM cautious on travel bubble; New Covid-19 message revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
PM cautious on travel bubble; New Covid-19 message revealed
She spoke at the final post-Cabinet press conference ahead of the election.
!['Politically motivated': Nat MP sent Covid patient info after being labelled racist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
'Politically motivated': Nat MP sent Covid patient info after being labelled racist
Ex-National Party president Michelle Boag sent the info to try to help clear his name.
![Coalition cracks on quarantine charges: Peters blasts 'grossly unfair' exemptions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Coalition cracks on quarantine charges: Peters blasts 'grossly unfair' exemptions
Minister Megan Woods and Air Commodore Darryn Webb reveal how much will Kiwis have to pay.
![One new Covid case; 170 contacts of South Korean case, household isolating](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
One new Covid case; 170 contacts of South Korean case, household isolating
Chris Hipkins and Ashley Bloomfield have given an update on Covid-19.
![Local lockdowns loom if fresh NZ Covid outbreak - PM](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Local lockdowns loom if fresh NZ Covid outbreak - PM
Prime Minister outlines the Government's next steps.
![One new Covid case - man in his 20s from London](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
One new Covid case - man in his 20s from London
The final cluster of Covid-19 cases is due to close today.
![Watch: Two more Covid cases; Health boss' plea to 367 Kiwis dodging authorities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Watch: Two more Covid cases; Health boss' plea to 367 Kiwis dodging authorities
There are now 22 active cases in New Zealand.
![Three new Covid cases in isolation; Bloomfield backs Clark](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Three new Covid cases in isolation; Bloomfield backs Clark
No more tests for every sniffle as testing criteria change.
![Two new Covid cases: Men in their 20s from LA and India](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Two new Covid cases: Men in their 20s from LA and India
There are now 10 active cases in New Zealand.
![Jacinda Ardern says ministers not to blame for border failure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Jacinda Ardern says ministers not to blame for border failure
Military to oversee quarantine and isolation facilities.
![NZ still Covid-free, 'weak positive' test today 'made hearts flutter'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
NZ still Covid-free, 'weak positive' test today 'made hearts flutter'
Yesterday was the first day NZ was free of active cases in 101 days.
![Level 1 from midnight, PM's 'little dance' at Covid-free news](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Level 1 from midnight, PM's 'little dance' at Covid-free news
Ardern: Kiwis have done 'something remarkable' by uniting to crush the virus.
![Zero! Bring on level 1 - NZ is now Covid-free](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Zero! Bring on level 1 - NZ is now Covid-free
All eyes turn to today's Covid-19 update.
![No new Covid cases for 16 straight days, still 1 active case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new Covid cases for 16 straight days, still 1 active case
Just one active case remains in New Zealand.
![PM confirms we could move to level 1 next week, D-day on Monday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
PM confirms we could move to level 1 next week, D-day on Monday
Jacinda Ardern is giving an update on the free trades training programme.
![22nd Covid death confirmed, now just eight active cases in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
22nd Covid death confirmed, now just eight active cases in NZ
An elderly woman from St Margaret's rest home died of Covid-19 last week.
![No new Covid cases: No one in hospital, just 21 active cases remain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new Covid cases: No one in hospital, just 21 active cases remain
Another day of zero new Covid-19 cases for New Zealand.
![Zero new cases again: PM on new level 2 rules - and changes for mass gatherings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Zero new cases again: PM on new level 2 rules - and changes for mass gatherings
How many Kiwis have downloaded the Covid Tracer app?
![No new cases: Police say 250 level 2 complaints a day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
No new cases: Police say 250 level 2 complaints a day
Ashley Bloomfield and Police Commissioner Andrew Coster with the daily update.
![NZ's latest case of Covid-19 is a Canterbury preschooler](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
NZ's latest case of Covid-19 is a Canterbury preschooler
We are about to head into our first week of new freedoms.
![Zero new cases: PM reviews funeral rules, announces 'jobs Budget'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Zero new cases: PM reviews funeral rules, announces 'jobs Budget'
Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are giving their daily update.
![Three new Covid cases as Cabinet decides on level 2](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Three new Covid cases as Cabinet decides on level 2
A total of seven nurses at Waitakere Hospital are now infected with Covid-19.
![Watch live: Warriors boss reveals Covid's brutal blow to club's finances](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Watch live: Warriors boss reveals Covid's brutal blow to club's finances
Top sport bosses are speaking about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
![Two new cases, one more Covid-19 death; Level 2 rules due](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Two new cases, one more Covid-19 death; Level 2 rules due
Another resident at a Christchurch rest home has died of coronavirus.
![Zero new Covid-19 cases for second day; 'Safe zone of travel' with Oz pitched](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Zero new Covid-19 cases for second day; 'Safe zone of travel' with Oz pitched
NZ has zero new cases again.
![Zero new Covid-19 cases in NZ: 'Let's not slacken off now' says Ashley Bloomfield](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Zero new Covid-19 cases in NZ: 'Let's not slacken off now' says Ashley Bloomfield
NZ's success at stamping out Covid-19 has been the envy of many other countries.
![Three new cases today, police threaten to shut down weekend parties](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Three new cases today, police threaten to shut down weekend parties
1479 people have tested positive for coronavirus in New Zealand since the pandemic began.
![Watch live: 10% of NZ likely to develop depression due to Covid-19 - top science adviser](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Watch live: 10% of NZ likely to develop depression due to Covid-19 - top science adviser
The Epidemic Response Committee will hear from charities and police this morning.
![Another death, five new Covid-19 cases today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Another death, five new Covid-19 cases today
Grant Robertson will talk about abuse of the wage subsidy scheme.
![Watch live: 5G, billionaires and electric planes - ideas to boost economy after Covid-19](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Watch live: 5G, billionaires and electric planes - ideas to boost economy after Covid-19
The Epidemic Response Committee is listening to ideas on NZ's recovery after Covid.
![Auckland woman dies of coronavirus; 5 new cases; Return to schools explained](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Auckland woman dies of coronavirus; 5 new cases; Return to schools explained
The woman who died lived at St Margaret's rest home in Te Atatu, a Covid-19 cluster.
![Lockdown logic: Why the PM extended level four restrictions for five more days](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Lockdown logic: Why the PM extended level four restrictions for five more days
NZ scheduled to go to alert level 3 at 11.59pm next Monday - possibly only for two weeks.
![9 new Covid-19 cases announced ahead of lockdown call](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
9 new Covid-19 cases announced ahead of lockdown call
Second day in a row where Covid-19 cases are in single digits.
![Level 4 v 3: New details emerge; Just 8 more cases but 2 deaths](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Level 4 v 3: New details emerge; Just 8 more cases but 2 deaths
The Government has given its daily update on the Covid-19 response.
![Bars, shops to stay shut: Drive-through, deliveries allowed in alert level 3](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Bars, shops to stay shut: Drive-through, deliveries allowed in alert level 3
15 new coronavirus cases as PM reveals what life will look like on other side of lockdown.
![20 new Covid-19 cases in NZ, PM, ministers taking pay cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
20 new Covid-19 cases in NZ, PM, ministers taking pay cut
PM says all Government ministers, public sector CEOs will take a pay cut for six months.
![Two more Covid-19 deaths brings NZ toll to four, 29 new cases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
Two more Covid-19 deaths brings NZ toll to four, 29 new cases
Three of the four deaths of Covid-19 in NZ are linked in clusters.
![NZ's second coronavirus-related death; 44 new cases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
NZ's second coronavirus-related death; 44 new cases
The woman, in her 90s, died at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch.