Two women who have tested positive for Covid-19 got lost on their drive from Auckland to Wellington and required help - giving the person a "kiss and a cuddle", Parliament has been told.

Winston Peters holds post-Cabinet press conference

The new Covid-19 cases in New Zealand are two women from the United Kingdom who were allowed to travel to Wellington on compassionate grounds, Dr Ashley Bloomfield says.

A "once-in-a-generation" report into New Zealand's health sector has recommended a significant overhaul of the country's district health board system and the creation of new health agencies.

Prime Minister, Rt Hon Chris Hipkins and Associate Minister of Transport, Hon Kiri Allan, to mark the completion of the Pūhoi to Warkworth section of Ara Tūhono, and Te Honohono ki Tai Road in Warkworth.

High density housing around the country, transport infrastructure upgrades and more walkways and cycleways are among the "shovel-ready" projects that the Government wants to fast-track to kick-start the economic recovery.

A multi-million dollar international drug operation has been upended with New Zealand, Australian, and Canadian authorities working together to uncover an elaborate scheme to import methamphetamine hidden in maple syrup.

A murder charge comes after the body of Bridget Simmonds was excavated at a rural property at Parakao. Video / NZ Herald

Christopher Luxon live from Fieldays

Christopher Luxon holds post-Cabinet press conference.

From today, people in managed self-isolation and quarantine won't be able to apply for exemptions to attend funerals and tangi.

From The New York Times to The Mirror and the BBC, New Zealand is in the headlines.

New Zealand will move to alert level 1 - and a return to mostly normal lives - from midnight tonight. The announcement comes just two hours after health officials confirmed that the country now has no active Covid-19 cases.

Bev Hiscox and her two grandsons Luka and JJ Sirett have been named as the trio who died on Sunday in a farm pond in Raetihi.

Increasing trade with Fiji had been a priority for Luxon ahead of his first Pacific visit as Prime Minister.

A Colliers International survey reveals that most workers still prefer going into the office. Video / Will Trafford

Businesses with a 40 per cent reduction in revenue due to Covid-19 are now eligible for the wage subsidy extension.

Enhancing trade and economic cooperation and engagement in the Pacific will be the focus when Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visits Niue.

Family say they have been fighting for justice since their loved one died.

Focus Live: Three police officers in court are believed to be the first ever to face an on-duty manslaughter charge. Video / Will Trafford

There will be no distancing rules at bars and restaurants at level 1, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. All restrictions on businesses, like hospitality, would be lifted with no distancing of tables.

There are no new Covid-19 cases for the 12th day in a row. There is still one active case, an Auckland woman in her 50s.

PM Jacinda Ardern has confirmed New Zealand could move to alert level 1 next week, buoyed by 11 straight days of no new Covid cases.

PM Jacinda Ardern reveals what will be needed for a transtasman bubble and how it could work. Video / NZ Herald

National leader heartened by Govt response to policy, wants to discuss it further.

Liam Dann breaks down the Budget for you. Video / NZ Herald

Todd Muller announced National's first policy as leader to offer businesses a $10,000 cash payment for taking on more staff if they win the election. Video / Will Trafford

Kiwis have been encouraged to enjoy a "normal" holiday weekend after seven straight days of no new Covid cases - and there is now just one active case in this country.

PM Jacinda Ardern has announced more than $70 million for the arts sector, including a bailout package to keep national museum Te Papa afloat.

Pre-Budget question time