The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has jumped its final approval hurdle and after being given the tick by ministers.

The Government today confirmed it would repeal and replace the Resource Management Act this term - marking one of the biggest regulatory shake-ups in the environment space in recent times.

New Zealand was suspending all high level political contact with Myanmar, there would be restrictions on aid and a travel ban on Myanmar's leaders would be implemented next week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

PM Jacinda Ardern announces first Matariki public holiday for 2022. Video / RNZ

Focus Live: Dr Ashley Bloomfield and Chris Hipkins give Covid-19 update

Dr Ashley Bloomfield said the Covid vaccine was still due in New Zealand by the end of March, but officials were ready to start jabs sooner if the stock arrived earlier.

Medsafe has conditionally approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in New Zealand and the first Kiwis to get it will be MIQ workers and their families.

Also among the bold steps the recently-formed Climate Change Commission laid out in its just-issued draft advice was an end to coal heating, more forestry, greener homes and a waste-stripping "circular" economy.

Cruise ship denied entry to New Zealand Waters.

PM reveals vaccine approval timeframe; 'disappointed' with Aussie travel ban.

National Party leader Judith Collins gave her State of the Nation speech, calling for government to use emergency legislation to make it easier to build houses.

Oranga Tamariki boss Grainne Moss has resigned, a move that comes after scrutiny and criticism of the organisation and the refusal of new Children Minister Kelvin Davis to express confidence in her.

Joe Biden sworn in as the 46th President of the USA. Video / PBS

The Government has officially made it mandatory for almost every traveller coming to New Zealand to produce a negative Covid-19 test before they board a plane.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlines a new lockdown for England as a new variant of Covid-19 sparks a surge of cases. Video / AP

Are New Zealand's suppression laws outdated in wake of Grace Millane case? Video / Dean Purcell / Michael Craig

Grace Millane's murderer Jesse Kempson is contesting two other convictions and sentences for attacks on separate women. Video / Dean Purcell / Michael Craig

Christopher Luxon speaks to the media on his Australia visit.

PM Christopher Luxon holds post-Cabinet press conference

With the summer holidays about to begin, we will all need to remain vigilant.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson announces a deal to settle the issue at Ihumātao with the Government buying the land from Fletchers for $29.9 million. Video / Mark Mitchell

Every New Zealander will be able to get a Covid-19 vaccination with 15 million doses now secured with the roll-out planned to begin in the second half of next year.

Speaker Trevor Mallard made a statement before facing MP's questions over spending $330,000 of taxpayer money settling a defamation case against him.

The Government has unveiled its "worst-case scenario" plan on how New Zealand would respond to another Covid-19 outbreak if one occurred over the summer months.

The official opening ceremony, in the heart of the America's Cup Race Village, gets underway ahead of the World Series and Christmas Cup regattas later this week.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Government ministers have agreed in principle for a travel bubble with Australia early next year, depending on decisions by Australian ministers.

PM Christopher Luxon takes questions in the House

PM Christopher Luxon takes questions in the House

Christopher Luxon holds post-Cabinet press conference

Covid 19 coronavirus: Six new cases in managed isolation.