1203 days ago

Covid-19: What a move to alert level 4 means for New Zealand

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

All of New Zealand will move to alert level 4 at 11.59pm after a new community Covid-19 case emerged in Auckland.

New Zealand will initially spend three days at alert level 4, except for Auckland and the Coromandel, which will remain at level 4 for seven days at this stage.

What are the rules at alert level 4?

Staying at home
People are asked to stay at home, unless they are undertaking essential travel to the supermarket or dairy, seeking necessary medical care or being tested for Covid-19, or to get physical exercise in their neighbourhood.

Unnecessary trips outdoors have spread the variant overseas, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

She advised people to wear a mask when leaving the house, and stay 2 metres away from others. “Stay local, do not congregate. Don't talk to your neighbours.”

Schools, workplaces and business

Businesses will be closed, except for essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, health clinics, petrol stations and lifeline utilities.

Only essential workers are permitted to go to work, others must work from home.

Schools and universities will shut down, and travel is severely limited.

Events and recreation
All gatherings are cancelled at alert level 4.

All public venues, including libraries, pools, leisure centres, gyms, early childcare centres, community venues and playgrounds are closed. Some public toilets will remain open.

Many large events have been canned.

Staying in your bubble
Once you go into a bubble you must stay in it, Ardern said.

If you are completely isolated, or you live alone, you can join a bubble with one other person.

Households are advised to nominate just one person to go shopping, and “always act like you have Covid-19”.

Travelling home
There is a grace period of 48 hours for people who are away from home to return home, if they cannot shelter safely in place. After this time, movement between regions will be restricted.

Covid-19 jabs
Covid-19 vaccinations will be suspended for 48 hours to ensure they can be carried out safely.

Read more here.

More messages from your neighbours
20 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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21 hours ago

It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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24 days ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.

Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.

To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.

It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.

“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.

“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”

A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.


The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.

Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.

“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”

A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.

“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”

*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz

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