Active Covid-19 case numbers could be as high as half a million, or one in 10 New Zealanders, with many unreported positive results and others asymptomatic, according to new modelling.

A day after one of the most violent days in the country's history, tons of rubbish were being removed at the start of a costly restoration project.

Reefton residents voiced their dismay amidst shouts of "bulls**t" at a protest last night at the sudden closure of the town's hospital aged-care wing, after some residents suddenly moved out of the area days earlier than was first announced.

The Environmental Protection Authority says it is working hard to fill big gaps in the regulation of chemicals but needs more funding.

Police are asking the public for information to help find David Johnstone, who has 12 outstanding warrants for his arrest.

The country's highest court has upheld the convictions of the first ever person to be convicted of both human trafficking and slavery in New Zealand.

Police have begun a "significant investigation" into yesterday's events at the Parliament protest and say they will hold people accountable for any criminal behaviour. Watch the latest media conference here.

There are 23,183 new community cases of Covid-19 being reported today, with 503 people in hospital, including seven in intensive care.

Strikes by health workers planned for tomorrow and next month have been called off after an Employment Court ruled in favour of District Health Boards.

Not a cent of a new $3 million fund for victims of serious crimes has been spent despite applications opening up seven months ago.

Anti-mandate protesters remain scattered in different groups around the Wellington area, as the clean-up of Parliament grounds continues. See how the day's events unfolded with RNZ's live blog.

University students feeling anxious and uncertain about the Covid-19 outbreak should try not to become totally preoccupied by the pandemic, a psychologist says.

The country is flying blind on environmental harm from tens of thousands of chemicals, a new report says.

The Director-General of Health says most current cases of Covid-19 in NZ are under 30 years old - with 54 percent of today's cases under 30. Watch the latest update here.

The arrest of a man using excessing force and resulting in a head injury was not justified, an investigation has found.

The Employment Court is meeting under urgency this morning to consider an injunction to stop a planned strike by Allied Health workers at public hospitals tomorrow.

University students living in halls of residence say almost everyone they know has Covid-19 as first semester kicks off for 2022.

Free rapid antigen tests are now available for home testing if you are symptomatic or household contact but you will have to order them online and pick them up.