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25 Jan 2026 18:09
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  •   Home > News > Politics

    The Covid Response Minister's defending keeping Auckland roped off

    The Covid Response Minister's defending keeping Auckland roped off


    It's been revealed the Health Ministry advised Cabinet to open the border last Friday when the country moved into the traffic light system.

    The advice was in the Director-General of Health's affidavit to the Waitangi Tribunal, for a hearing on the new Covid-19 framework.

    Cabinet isn't relaxing the border until next Wednesday.

    Minister Chris Hipkins says they want to give the rest of New Zealand chance to hit 90 percent vaccinations first.

    He says when cases begin to spread out of Auckland, it will ensure we're in the best shape possible to stop a spike.

    © 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

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     Today's News

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    Accident and Emergency:
    Police say it would be foolish and negligent for now to continue recovery work at the site of the Mount Maunganui landslide 17:27

    Soccer:
    The Wellington Phoenix lead Adelaide United 2-nil at halftime in their A-League clash in Porirua 17:27

    Law and Order:
    Mother shares tribute to 15-year-old Max trapped under Mount Maunganui landslide 16:47

    Law and Order:
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    Law and Order:
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    Environment:
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    Rugby:
    Former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones has called on New Zealand Rugby to come clean on the REAL reason for Scott Robertson's sacking 14:17


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