Chris Hipkins

Isolation requirements for those entering the country from Australia are about to become much more flexible.

A seven day self isolation period will begin at the end of the month, for vaccinated New… Video, Audio

Under new government rules some returnees can get a temporary pass out of self isolation to visit a terminally ill relative, go to court or get medical attention.

And sports teams or performers who… Video, Audio

Who is a critical worker and who is not? For business it could literally be a multi million dollar question.

From today they can decide for themselves if they fit the bill and register for the… Video, Audio

Parliament's new year has begun in the traditional fashion with a very wide debate that is a multi-party pep rally. And it's no short booster. This one takes 13 hours. Audio

The Covid-19 Response Minister says there could well be "quite significant" rates of Covid-19 in the community once returning New Zealanders can self-isolate at the end of the month.

In just over… Audio

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says people travelling to New Zealand do not currently need to have had their booster shots, but he's not ruling it out for the future.

He spoke to Checkpoint… Video, Audio

The government is tightening its rules for mask use under the 'red' traffic light setting. Masks must now be worn in all food and drink venues, close-proximity businesses, events and gatherings.

The… Video, Audio

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins is warning the public to expect large number of Covid-19 cases, and not to rely on masks to stop it.

The entire country is now in red traffic light setting… Audio

Parliament finished its year with a final debate: a chance for a last laugh, a litany of thanks, and a quick punch in the conk. And many wishes for a good break after a hard year.  Audio

"All over bar the shouting" might refer to many final weeks in Parliament, but this year the MPs still have an ambitious legislative agenda and just two days to get it all done. Audio

Hipkins has told Checkpoint government would give "at least a week's notice" if they change the decision around reopening the border for travellers from Australia.

"We set a check-in time and what we… Video, Audio

Political pressure is building for Auckland's Covid boundary to be ditched immediately following revelations health officials recommended the invisible wall come down as soon as the traffic light… Video, Audio

Parliament has reached the penultimate week of its year. You might think it was winding down but the to-do list is still prodigious. Audio

Some ministers and ministries have special powers to unilaterally make new laws. And a small group of lawyerly MPs have the job of breaking out the microscope and checking they do it right.   Audio