Auckland to move to Alert Level 2, rest of New Zealand to move to Alert Level 1
UPDATE
17 February
4.53pm
The rest of New Zealand will return at Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight. Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.
Here's what you need to know:
- New Zealand will return to Alert Level 1 with Auckland moving to Alert Level 2.
- These restrictions will be reviewed February 22.
- There has been an additional 1 case confirmed, with the positive case a member of the same household bubble.
- New locations of interest have been loaded on the Ministry of Health website.
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UPDATE
16 February
1.09pm
There are no new community cases Ashley Bloomfield confirmed in a 1pm update today. There are no new cases in MIQ facilities.
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UPDATE
15 February
4.20pm
Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.
Here's what you need to know:
- The Prime Minister says there's a variety of scenarios on how the virus got into the community. To date, health officials are still attempting to establish the source of the outbreak.
- 42 people have been identified as close contacts.
- The first batch of Pfizer vaccines - 60,000 doses - arrived this morning on a Singapore Airlines flight.
- Vaccines will be offered to border and MIQ workers from this Saturday.
- This will be the largest vaccine programme in New Zealand's history, Jacinda Ardern says.
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UPDATE
February 15
1.36pm
The Ministry of Health has confirmed five new cases of Covid-19 in managed isolation. There are no new community cases.
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UPDATE
February 15
8.18am
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the first two February cases are the highly infectious UK strain. There is no link to any MIQ infections.
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All regions outside Auckland have moved to Alert Level 2.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation at 7.00pm Sunday, announcing all regions excluding Auckland, will move to Alert Level 2 from 11.59pm tonight.
Here's what you need to know:
- Gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited.
- Mask use is encouraged when it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.
- From 11.59pm tonight, travel to Auckland will no longer be possible with the heightened alert level - unless you are returning home.
- The full list of rules under Alert Level 2 can be found here.
- Here's the full list of locations of interest where the cases visited.
Neighbourly will update this message as further information comes to hand.
Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year
Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.
Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.
Click read more for the full article.
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Boosting sport in Kaikōura
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The chance to return home and work in sports coaching was too good to refuse for a young Kaikōura woman.
Saraya Brown (pictured) took up the role of Sport Tasman community outcomes adviser for Kaikōura towards the end of last year after attending boarding school and university in Christchurch.
‘‘I studied sport coaching and was looking at teachers’ college, but then this job came up.
‘‘I love that I am able to provide people in our community with the opportunity to participate in physical activities which maybe aren’t on offer or they don’t have the means to do.’’
Brown said she is keen to hear ideas from the community and hopes to bring back the Kaikōura Warrior Run, an obstacle course challenge.
She was active in sport at school, but after a few injuries she decided to focus on coaching.
Brown coached junior netball in Christchurch and is continuing to coach the youngsters in future ferns netball in Kaikōura.
Through Sports Tasman’s connections, Brown said is able to break down some of the barriers of Kaikōura’s isolation and the cost of participating in sport.
Being based with the Kaikōura District Council, Brown is able to work with council and local Environment Canterbury staff.
She recently worked with Environment Canterbury Kaikōura zone facilitator Jodie Hoggard on activities for Sea Week, helping to organise surfing, kayaking, a quiz night and a beach clean up.
‘‘It is so cool. You hear Sport Tasman and you think of structured netball or rugby, but it is about active recreation and sport, so it could be kayaking, surfing or an art class on the beach, if that is what the community wants.
‘‘I am driven by the community’s voice and my aim is to be as responsive as I can to the community’s needs.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.