New Zealand’s alert level 4 lockdown should be continued for another two weeks to strengthen chances of eliminating Covid-19, says an expert on modelling how the coronavirus spreads. Over the weekend Ministers have been studying modelling data from an Auckland University team headed by Professor Sha

The Ministry of Health has announced no new COVID-19 cases in the Southern district today. The region’s total is still 216, with 154 now recovered. Confirmed and probable cases are combined for this and future totals, to match Ministry case reporting. First COVID-19 related death confirmed in Southe

The daily COVID-19 media conference with officials will start at 1pm.   Live update 131 healthcare workers are confirmed or probable cases. 43 have recovered. Bloomfield says so far the results of community testing undertaken in Auckland over the weekend have all returned negative results. Ashley Bl

Three-time World Player of the Year Dan Carter has announced he won’t be returning to Japanese Top League side Kobe Steelers, potentially ending his decorated rugby career. The former All Blacks first-five was early in his second of a two-season contract with the club, when all Japanese competitions

The whānau of the man who wrote ‘Pokarekare Ana’ are inviting people to lift their lockdown spirits by taking part in a mass performance of the waiata this afternoon. At 3pm, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra together with the Tomoana whānau and composer Ngatai Huata will perform the song attribute

Southern electorates will take on a slightly new look with just announced boundary changes The Electoral Commission has revealed electorate names and boundaries for the next two elections. The changes covering the southern electorates Dunedin North becomes Dunedin and Dunedin South becomes Taieri. C

The Ministry of Health has announced one new COVID-19 cases in the Southern district today, taking the region’s total to 214. Confirmed and probable cases are combined for this and future totals, to match Ministry case reporting. no new cases in Clutha/Southland making it the 5th day in a row. 147 p

National not for profits Carers NZ and IHC are offering check-ins and practical help for family carers and people living alone who would like day to day support. wecare.kiwi will help people get through COVID-19 by providing direct help, and linking to other community initiatives in areas nationally