A wine delivery, a note on a facemask and a 20-minute bedroom "encounter" have spelled the end of a managed isolation staffer's job.

A major report examining how the country should fight climate change is due out on Sunday, sparking calls for change.

Aro Street in central Wellington was mopping up today after spectacular scenes of a huge water main burst yesterday.

The fire in a large pile of discarded tyres north of Christchurch has now been contained.

Health officials are tracking down the recent returnees who were staying at Auckland's Managed Isolated facility at the same time as the community cases and are yet to be tested.

Police are concerned bystanders filmed alleged "prolonged" assault of officer then posted on social media.

There have been no new community cases of Covid-19 reported today and the Director-General of Health says NZ can enjoy these freedoms safely "if we all do our part".

New research from Tourism New Zealand shows domestic travellers are put off by activities that are too expensive or feel too "touristy".

An employee at a managed isolation hotel in Auckland has lost their job after an "encounter" with an isolated returnee in their room that lasted 20 minutes.

Wellington's mayor says he is seeking answers after a wastewater pipe broke and a burst water main created a massive geyser in the capital this week.

As vaccine delays threaten to disrupt the Covid-19 response in Europe, attention is turning to whether New Zealand could manufacture one.

The government is beginning a nationwide series of hui this weekend on the Royal Commmission of Inquiry report on the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Māori knowledge and western science are being combined to save disappearing mussel beds in an eastern Bay of Plenty harbour.

Police have shut down a community checkpoint in Waiomio in Northland citing traffic safety concerns.

People in Northland are divided on an iwi proposal to reinstate checkpoints in Northland in the light of a new community case of Covid-19.

A $5m government unit to investigate halving the DHBs comes at the same time some boards are appointing younger people as "observers" to learn about DHB governance.

There's more empty parks than cars in front of the Atlantis backpacker hostel by Picton's foreshore, but visitors complain they are being rubbed the wrong way by 'overzealous' parking wardens.

Community leaders are warning the cycle of violent retribution will continue if radical interventions aren't made.