As it happened: Latest on COVID-19 community outbreak - Wednesday, November 17

Aucklanders will be able to resume interregional travel for the first time in almost four months on December 15, allowing residents to reunite with friends and whānau for Christmas.

The two-way border will be open to fully vaccinated Kiwis or those who have evidence of a negative test within 72 hours prior to departure. Those who are unvaccinated or untested face a $1000 fine, with police to perform spot-checks at the boundary. 

It comes as the Government on Wednesday morning revealed vaccine certificates were ready for Kiwis to download. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has also confirmed that the rest of New Zealand will shift to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, the 'traffic light' system, at the same time as Auckland. The date will be decided on November 29.

What you need to know

• There are 194 new cases to report on Wednesday - 180 in Auckland, five in Waikato, six in Lakes District, and three in Northland.
• Auckland's border will open on December 15, allowing fully vaccinated Kiwis to travel to and from the region - people can also present a negative test result received within 72 hours prior to departure. 
• Police will be performing spot checks at the border and rulebreakers will face a $1000 fine.
• The rest of New Zealand will move to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, the traffic light system, at the same time as Auckland - the date will be decided on November 29.
• A person has tested positive in Christchurch after a trip to Auckland.
• Eighty-eight people are in hospital, seven of whom are in intensive care or high dependency units.
• A patient in their 60s has died with COVID-19 at North Shore Hospital.
  
• More than 1300 DHB staff have been stood down as a result of the vaccine mandate.
• Vaccine certificates are now available to download via My COVID Record.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest locations of interest here.

These live updates have finished.

8:30pm - There are six new locations of interest. They are:

• Mitre 10 Te Kuiti, November 11 from 2pm to 2:40pm
• Z Te Kuiti, November 11 from 3:15pm to 3:55pm
• New World Te Kuiti, November 13 from 11:20am to 12:25pm 
• Christchurch Airport, November 13 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm
• Mitre 10 Te Kuiti, November 15 from 3:40pm to 4:25pm
• Pak'nSave Clarence Street Hamilton, November 16 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.

7:50pm - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has hinted at a return to normality from January 17 - but don't expect any changes to the international border over the summer. 

Ardern confirmed on Wednesday the Auckland border will drop on December 15, by which time all of New Zealand is expected to be in the new COVID Protection Framework, or 'traffic light' system, to replace the alert levels. 

Under the new framework, freedoms will be determined by vaccine certificates. For example, when Auckland enters the 'red' light, hospitality venues can open with up to 100 fully vaccinated people but businesses that choose not to use certificates must remain contactless. 

Travellers will need to show their vaccination certificate or proof of a negative test result in order to travel regionally or else face a $1000 fine, during post checks. 

But it won't be like that forever. Ardern said the vaccine certificate or negative test result requirement will be in place until January 17. After that, Ardern seemed to suggest things will more or less go back to normal. 

"By the end of that summer period when most people have taken a summer break, our vaccination levels will be even higher. We will have used testing and vaccine certificates to really slow down any potential spread of COVID," she told reporters. 

"But we do also need to move into a phase where we don't have hard borders in New Zealand anymore. They were always temporary. 

"By actually pushing that out into January allows us to keep driving up those vaccination levels, get the new system in place, and be the best prepared that we can be."

Read the full story here.

7:30pm - ACT leader David Seymour says Ardern has "failed to explain" why the MIQ system needs to continue.

"I asked her today [in Parliament] whether she agrees with Professors Michael Baker and Nick Wilson that a person from overseas who's fully vaccinated and tested negative poses less danger of passing on COVID than someone already at a supermarket in Auckland," he says.

"Jacinda said it might make sense to allow people into Auckland, but there would have to be a hard border around Auckland if that was the case. Except Jacinda also announced today that her Government is dropping the Auckland border."

Seymour says that poses a logic problem; if it's safe for Aucklanders to leave Auckland, and new arrivals are less of a threat than people already in the city, then he says it must be safer for fully vaccinated and negatively-tested arrivals to leave Auckland.

"Jacinda claims foreign arrivals 'seed' new cases. The thing is, they're less likely to 'seed' a case than people already here. Why should people who are less of a threat be the ones who suffer separation from their own country? It's time to be kind and let New Zealanders come home to their own country," he says.

"As well as ditching MIQ, she needs to just give us a date for the introduction of the traffic light system. ACT has always said December 1st should be Freedom Day."

6:30pm - As of 9am this morning, DHBs have stood down 1309 unvaccinated staff around the country following the new vaccine mandate coming into force.

Lead DHB chief executive Rosemary Clements says DHBs are continuing to consult with those unvaccinated staff members who are stood down to answer any questions they might have, discuss other options such as redeployment, support them through the process and encourage them to consider vaccination. If staff choose to be vaccinated while they are stood down, they will be able to return to the DHB.

She says service delivery impacts will vary between DHBs and mitigations are in place where needed to minimise any impact to services. These include careful staff rostering, and close monitoring of any areas where there may be some staff shortage.

"Our absolute focus is on ensuring continuity of patient care."

Clements adds that DHBs will be in a position early next week to provide an update on the numbers of staff who will be leaving the DHBs due to their unvaccinated status.

6:10pm - Professor Tava Olsen, from the University of Auckland's business school, says conducting spot checks at the Auckland border was really the "only practical option" for the Government.

She says it wouldn't be ideal to either kepe Aucklanders in the city over Christmas or to check every car crossing the border.

"To check every car would require a booking system, a technological solution, or impossibly long queues to leave Auckland. None of those three look practical, particularly given the cost and time involved in setting up either a booking system or some sort of technology (such as automatic scanning of cars)," Prof Olsen says. 

"Presumably, the spread of COVID without any border requirements was modelled and found to be unacceptable.

"In addition, most of the rest of the country are likely to be pleased to learn there will be requirements for Aucklanders to leave Auckland. Hopefully the Government will set up appropriate road signage and public messaging so that Aucklanders will be fully aware of the requirements for leaving, and they can turn back as needed rather than risk a spot check and large fine."

6pm - It's time for Newshub Live at 6pm for the latest on the COVID-19 outbreak. Watch online here or on Three.

5:35pm - Tourism Industry Aotearoa says news the Auckland border is easing before Christmas is the "first glimmer of light at the end of a long, dark tunnel" for tourism operators.

Chief executive Chris Roberts says this will be a relief to accommodation providers, transport operators, tourism activities, attractions, and retailers who have been suffering the loss of their largest domestic market.

"The impact on Auckland businesses from being in lockdown is brutal and obvious. But it has also gutted tourism and travel activity right around New Zealand," he says.

"As our largest centre of population, Auckland has a huge influence on domestic travel around the country. Just one example was the immediate and dramatic reduction in the number of visitors in Queenstown when Auckland's borders closed.  

"Now we have a date, which provides the certainty that business craves. We expect to see an immediate confirmation of travel plans from the 15th December and operators will be cancelling the bookings they have from Aucklanders before that date."

Roberts says with the signal they are open for the summer holidays, it means operators can plan to hire staff, buy supplies, and gear up their operations.

He adds the tourism industry is now eagerly awaiting the Government's decisions on loosening restrictions on Aotearoa New Zealand's international borders, which Ardern says will be announced "in due course".

"The world is opening up and New Zealand risks being ignored and left out if we don't signal to international markets very soon when safe travellers will be welcomed back to our shores."

5:05pm - The latest version of NationalMap Ltd's online COVID-19 vaccination graph shows a large proportion of New Zealand suburbs have either reached or are rapidly progressing towards the 90 percent immunisation targets.

Created last month, the interactive map uses weekly Ministry of Health data and allows people to click on a statistical area (SA2), showing what percentage of that area has received one dose and the percentage fully vaccinated. 

In a statement on Wednesday, NationalMap's Steve Critchlow said many more Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin suburbs have reached the 90 percent target.

"Now we have 296 SA2 polygons that have cleared the 90 percent target, 135 more than last week.

"This represents 14 percent of the SA2 boundaries."

That means 68 percent of New Zealand suburbs have either reached or are within 200 vaccinations of reaching the 90 percent target.

However, many small North Island towns are still shaded blue - meaning they're still more than 500 vaccinations away from reaching the target.

Read the full story here.

4:50pm - ACT deputy leader and health spokesperson Brooke van Velden says the Government has "no idea" whether people with COVID who are isolating at home have been issued pulse oximeters and their lives are at stake.

"ACT has long called for pulse oximeters to be issued to people suffering from COVID-19. People have died in their homes and we need to know what equipment and support the Government is offering them," she says.

"Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield has today told Select Committee that not everyone isolating at home will get a pulse oximeter. But both Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson and Caroline McElnay have said they do. Who is right?"

"When answering questions from ACT at Health Select Committee this morning, Bloomfield said they aren't rationing them. So why aren't they using them?"

Pulse oximeters can be used by people diagnosed with COVID and are used to show oxygen levels at home, van Velden says. They can be monitored by GPs in the community, and if oxygen levels drop that is an indication that the person needs hospitalisation.

"ACT believes everyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 who is isolating at home should have one of these," she says.

"It's not good enough for the Government not to be able answer basic questions and it's not good enough to hide behind privacy when questions are raised about the people who have died. We should know whether or not they were issued with this equipment."

4:25pm - There are several new locations of interest, including some in Christchurch. They are:

• Fresh Choice Te Awamutu, November 9 from 4:34pm to 5pm
• Countdown Te Awamutu, November 10 from 3:57pm to 4:15pm
• Fresh Choice Te Awamutu, November 10 from 4:06pm to 4:20pm
• New World Te Kuiti, November 10 from 7:10pm to 8:35pm
• The Warehouse Te Kuiti, November 10 from 7:20pm to 8pm
• McIndoe Group Te Kuiti, November 11 from 1:50pm to 2:30pm
• Farmlands Te Kuiti, November 11 from 1:55pm to 2:30pm
• PlaceMakers Te Kuiti, November 11 from 2:15pm to 3pm
• Applianceplus Otorohanga, November 11 from 2:55pm to 3:40pm
• New World Te Kuiti, November 12 from 3:45pm to 5pm
• Paper Plus Te Kuiti, November 13 from 10:35am to 11:10am
• The Warehouse Te Kuiti, November 13 from 11:45am to 12:20pm
• Countdown Eastgate, November 13 from 3:15pm to 3:45pm 
• Eastgate Shopping Centre, November 13 from 3:15pm to 3:45pm
• Countdown Eastgate Christchurch, November 15 from 11:30am to 12pm
• Eastgate Shopping Centre, November 15 from 11:30am to 12pm.

4:05pm - Professor Claire Breen, from the University of Waikato's faculty of law, says vaccine certificates raise "a number of legal questions around civil liberties and human rights".

"[They] will involve balancing various rights, such as the right to freedom of movement, the right to health, privacy, as well as the rights to equality and freedom from discrimination," she says.

"Current border closures and restricted movements within the country show that these rights can be limited, but such restrictions must be justifiable. Equally, Te Tiriti o Waitangi must also inform such decisions so as  to achieve equitable outcomes for Māori, in health and other areas that may be affected by the introduction of vaccine certificates."

3:45pm - The Employers & Manufacturers Association (EMA) says while it is good to have clarity about the Auckland border reopening on December 15, they remain concerned about a firm reopening date for business.

Chief executive Brett O'Riley says that while the EMA's 7600 business members understand the announcement on moving to the traffic light system will be made on November 29, they want assurance that they will be back in business from December 1.

"That's the pattern we've seen so far with these announcements - that the day following is when it comes into play - but business needs clarity so we can plan for this. The worst outcome would be to have to wait an extra few days or even a week to reopen," he says.

"Retail's open now, but Auckland's hospitality industry is on its knees and needs to plan for restocking, organising staff and getting prepared to open on December 1.

"At the moment it feels like we're in the last kilometre of a marathon and someone forgot to mark the finish line so we don't know where it ends."

O'Riley adds it is good to see COVID vaccine certificates are now available, although they're still waiting for the frameworks for workplaces requiring these. He says they also need them to make a quick transition to a more full reopening after the November 29 announcement.

"Business understands the risks, they've showed how well they have managed them before, and they're desperate to get back to it. I urge the Government to give them the hope and certainty they need around reopening." 

3:15pm - The Green Party believes the Government is making a mistake by committing to opening Auckland's border prior to achieving high rates of vaccination among vulnerable communities.

"Elimination has protected thousands of lives in Aotearoa and maintaining elimination is still possible outside of Auckland for now. Aucklanders have being doing it really tough, but we have to hold the line to keep everyone safe while vaccination rates increase, particularly when so many of our vulnerable communities are still at risk," Green Co-leader Marama Davidson said on Wednesday.

"Auckland is in a very different position to the rest of the country; the outbreak is uncontrolled, and case numbers are rising.

"Labour is making a mistake by committing itself to opening the Auckland border before evidence is known about how the traffic light system is working and cases have stabilised.

"A date for opening the border should only be agreed once vaccination levels are equitably high, the traffic light system tested and refined, and regional health systems prepared."

COVID-19 Response spokesperson Dr Elizabeth Kerekere agrees, saying: "There is a risk of significant harm to people in under-resourced DHBs, with the combination of lower vaccination rates - especially among Māori - and more marginalised communities."

3pm - Two people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Masterton are linked to a gathering held by the Killer Beez gang in early November, according to reports. 

The New Zealand Herald understands one of the cases is the daughter of a senior member of the gang. A number of gang members travelled from across Aotearoa to the gathering, which was held in Masterton between November 5 and 7, the outlet reports.

Wairarapa Area Commander, Inspector Scott Miller, told the Herald the gathering was attended by gang members from throughout the region. Members also travelled from areas of the lower North Island and upper South Island, he said, and police were "overall satisfied" with their behaviour. 

The Herald cites a post to social media, which claims the two cases visited Woodville, a small town 75km north of Masterton, and last week attended a tangi in Martinborough, a town in the South Wairarapa District about 35km south-west of Masterton.

The two cases are now isolating in Masterton, says the Ministry of Health.

2:55pm - Hawke's Bay District Health Board (DHB) is encouraging residents to get their second dose of the vaccine to ensure they are fully protected against COVID-19.

Dr Peter Culham, a medical advisor to Hawke's Bay DHB's vaccination programme, says a number of residents across the region are now due for their second dose.

"It takes two weeks for the vaccination to become fully effective, so it is important these people get out and get their second dose to boost their protection now," he said on Wedneday. "Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is like grabbing your parachute before you jump out of an aeroplane. If you've had two doses, you've got a stronger parachute with a back-up attached.

"One dose is approximately 60 percent effective at preventing COVID-19 - the second dose boosts this to 88 percent effective against the Delta variant."

As of Wednesday, 88 percent of Hawke's Bay's eligible population has had their first dose of the vaccine and 78 percent are fully vaccinated.

"Our region is tracking well but we're expecting the fully vaccinated percentage to really jump ahead over the coming days given this large group are due their final dose," he said.

"Significant work is also being done in harder to reach populations with mobile vans being launched recently and a van in Wairoa today to kick off its next vaccination drive."

There are more than 30 clinics across Hawke's Bay this week. Click here to find a local clinic. 

2:50pm - The Restaurant Association is frustrated by the lack of clarity regarding the policy behind the vaccine certificate roll-out.

On Wednesday morning, vaccine passports were made available to fully immunised New Zealanders via the Ministry of Health's My COVID Record platform. The certificates will be a crucial element of the COVID-19 Protection Framework and will reward the vaccinated with freedoms such as festivals, events and dining out. 

But the Restaurant Association says hospitality businesses are now scratching their heads at the lack of information, with many wondering whether staff will be required to enforce the 'no passport, no entry' rule, and how that will be monitored.

"Our industry has once again been left with more questions than answers," Marisa Bidois, the CEO of the Restaurant Association, said on Wednesday.

"The Prime Minister said today that the industry is familiar with checking age-related identification. However, this is something that would only happen in some of our business - many are not licensed. There is also no information on whether businesses are required to have a person on the door admitting people or turning them away.

"Also, whether passports will be required for takeaway or sitting outside?"

Bidois says the industry needs time to familiarise itself with the new system and put the processes in place.

"These businesses have been given little to no information on the practical application of the passports at a time when our customers have so many questions and will likely be using them soon.

"Whilst we have some information about the technology there is still no policy that sits alongside this. Our business need time to implement the new systems and Auckland businesses desperately want to open - it would be great for them to be able work these systems out before the Christmas rush."

2:40pm - In case you missed it, here's the full statement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern regarding the opening of Auckland's regional boundary on December 15:

On December 15, Aucklanders who have been vaccinated or tested will be able to reconnect with the rest of New Zealand in time for Christmas and summer, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.

To minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading from Auckland to other parts of the country travellers will have to be either fully vaccinated or have a negative test within 72 hours of departure. This requirement will be in place for the core summer period of December 15, 2021 to January 17, 2022.

"Aucklanders have faced restrictions for an extended period of time to keep the rest of New Zealand safe. But with increased rates of vaccination it's time to open up the ability to travel again," Jacinda Ardern said.

"Confirming December 15 as the date the boundary requirements change provides certainty. Aucklanders can now book summer travel and accommodation with confidence and businesses inside Auckland and around the rest of the country can plan for summer travellers.

"The boundary is of course two ways, so the changes also mean Aucklanders and Auckland businesses can start receiving New Zealanders from all over the country, allowing families and friends to reconnect and businesses to receive a much needed boost before Christmas. 

"Police will have operational discretion on the enforcement of these rules. Police undertake random spot checks to enforce a range of laws on our roads, such as drink-driving, and will take the same approach here.

"On the northern boundary, and the gateway to Northland, Police will work with Iwi to ensure people can move, but also that the people of Northland have confidence in the checks that are in place.

"We have given special consideration to the South Island. The combination of the vaccine or testing requirement for Air New Zealand combined with the ability for the inter-islander to operate the same regime will provide solid measures to slow any spread to the South.

"Cabinet will confirm on November 29 its decision to move Auckland into the new traffic light system which we expect will occur soon after the 29th. Auckland will initially move into Red, the highest level in the traffic light.

"We are also confirming today that the rest of the country will move into the framework at the same time as Auckland. Those parts of the country with lower vaccination rates will move into the new system at Red, which has greater protections than the current alert level 2, meaning there will be stronger measures to minimise the risk of spread. 

"This decision carefully balances the need to give Aucklanders the ability to move and comfort to the rest of New Zealand that we're still taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

"We have deliberately set the date for the boundary restrictions to change in a month's time in order to give the rest of New Zealand time to move into the safer traffic light system and the chance to increase vaccination rates even further.

"Eighty-two percent of New Zealanders are now fully vaccinated compared to just 23 percent when Delta arrived three months ago, so we are in a much safer position to ease boundary restrictions. We will be in an even safer position by mid-December when it's expected New Zealand as a whole will be around 90 percent fully vaccinated.

"The steps we have taken to date have undeniably saved lives and slowed the spread of the virus that otherwise could have moved through the country very quickly. But elimination and the alert levels were never intended as a forever strategy. High vaccination rates now offer us the ability to change our approach and move into the next chapter of our COVID-19 response."

• The Auckland boundary will formally lift at 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 14.
  
• People travelling out of Auckland from December 15 will be covered by the vaccination or testing requirement up until January 17.
  
• Police will have operational discretion on the enforcement for these rules and will perform spot-checks.
  
• On the northern boundary, Police will work with iwi to ensure people can move, but also that the people of Northland have confidence in the checks that are in place.
  
• It is intended that people breaking the rules will face an infringement fine of $1000.
  
• Checks for travellers out of Auckland Airport will be undertaken at check-in. Air New Zealand have made a vaccine certificate or negative test a requirement before New Zealanders can fly - these requirements begin on December 15 also.
  
• The Government will be enabling inter-island ferries to require proof of vaccination or a negative pre-departure test in order to travel between Wellington and Picton.
  

2:30pm - While many are rejoicing the news that Aucklanders will be able to travel by mid-December, Opposition leader Judith Collins has slammed the Government's plan as setting New Zealand up for "a summer of chaos".

She has also panned the Government's announcement that on November 29, Cabinet will set a date for when Auckland, alongside the rest of the country, will together transition to the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

"Today's announcement by the Prime Minister of a decision - and an announcement that may happen in December - is just the latest sign the Government has utterly lost the plot," Collins said following the press conference on Wednesday.

"This is an announcement that in two weeks' time, there will be an announcement on what the Cabinet will decide. This makes total nonsense of the idea that we have to wait for public health advice to lift restrictions Aucklanders are currently forced to live under.

"This is Government on the fly. Today's bizarre and incomprehensible 'plan' will create a summer of chaos for all New Zealanders."

Collins also criticised the Government for backtracking from its initial plan to implement the new 'traffic light' system once all District Health Boards (DHBs) had achieved 90 percent vaccination. The Government is now allowing the rest of New Zealand to transition to the framework at the same time as Auckland, regardless of whether or not all DHBs have hit the 90 percent target. Areas with lower rates of vaccination will enter the Red setting of the framework, alongside Auckland, to offer greater protection against the virus.

"Every week that goes by, Kiwis are being flooded with new, confused and contradictory messaging. Less than four weeks ago, the Prime Minister announced the 90 percent DHB target. Now it has been abandoned," she said.

She also made a pointed dig at the Government's plan for enforcement at Auckland's border. In Wednesday's announcement, Ardern said police will be performing spot-checks and a $1000 fine will be handed to unvaccinated travellers who do not have evidence of a negative test.

Collins says more information is needed.

"No idea how many cars police would be pulling over each day. No idea whether people would need to provide photo ID alongside their vaccine certificate. No idea if this would apply to 12-year-olds or just adults. No idea if someone is pulled over just south of Auckland, how will police know whether they have come from Huntly or Auckland?" 

2:25pm - Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has strongly welcomed the Government's announcement that Aucklanders will be able to travel outside of the city from Wednesday, December 15.

"For Aucklanders who have lived under tough restrictions for over three months, the ability to reconnect with family and friends, conduct normal business across the country, and travel for their summer holidays, this is great news," Goff said on Wednesday following the announcement.

"It provides a further incentive for those Aucklanders not yet vaccinated to do so. For those that don't, they will require a test within 72 hours of travel to show they are COVID-free. These measures provide an additional element of protection for those outside Auckland to slow the spread of the virus.

"Creating a hard border for Auckland with checkpoints to ensure only those who are COVID-free or vaccinated are moving out of the city is not practicable. On Boxing Day, tens of thousands of people will travel outside of the city. Spot checks and $1000 penalties will provide an incentive for people to comply with the rules."

Goff also welcomed the news that Auckland and the rest of the country will transition to the COVID-19 Protection Framework together, likely by early December. 

"This again rewards those who have made the decision to get vaccinated with greater freedoms. Vaccination lowers transmission rates and lowers the risk of people being seriously ill and needing to be hospitalised," he said.

"Like the rest of the world, we now have to live with COVID. The Government's announcement gives us the certainty of a path back to being able to live more normally. At the same time, it helps ensure this transition will happen as safely as possible."

2:20pm - Three new locations of interest have been identified so far today. They are:

• The Warehouse, Dargaville.
• Bunnings Warehouse, Te Rapa, Hamilton.
• The Warehouse, Te Rapa, Hamilton.

For relevant dates, times, and public health advice, click here.

2:10pm - Assaults against Defence Force staff stationed at managed isolation and quarantine facilities are an unacceptable aspect of an endless, thankless task, says the National Party's Defence spokesperson, Chris Penk.

The revelation that Defence Force personnel are being assaulted while posted to MIQ duties is unacceptable, he said on Wednesday.

"Our men and women in uniform have been taken away from their regular duties to act as hotel staff and security guards as part of Operation Protect. This is the Defence Force's contribution to New Zealand's COVID-19 response.

"It's bad enough that qualified personnel are understood to be leaving in droves, largely due to endless and thankless duties watching hotel doors. But it's even worse that the MIQ environment is proving increasingly hostile, including in a physical sense."

There have been nine reported incidents of assault against Defence Force personnel, according to official statistics, and many more concerning incidents anecdotally.

"Our military personnel are going above and beyond the usual call of duty, by serving in the MIQ system. They deserve much better than this," Penk said.

"Our call to wind back Operation Protect will allow the New Zealand Defence Force to focus once more on its core duties and end this senseless violence against them into the bargain."

2:05pm - Traffic to Air New Zealand's website has increased by a staggering 250 percent since 1pm following the Government's announcement that Aucklanders will be able to travel from December 15.

1:50pm - To recap, there are 194 new cases to report today. One new death has been reported - a man in his 60s at North Shore Hospital in Auckland. A person has tested positive in Christchurch following a visit to Auckland, and 88 people are currently in hospital.

Here's the Ministry of Health's statement from 1pm:

More than 21,000 doses of vaccine given yesterday; 88 people in hospital - 7 in ICU; 194 community cases; 1 death

There were 21,031 first and second vaccine doses administered yesterday, made up of 6,664 first doses and 14,367 second doses. To date, of New Zealanders aged over 12 years, 91 percent have had their first dose and 82 percent are fully vaccinated.

* One previously reported Northland case has been reclassified as an Auckland case.

There are three additional cases announced today, one each in Northland, Lakes and Canterbury, that were reported after the official cut-off time and will be formally included in tomorrow's case numbers.

** This case is an essential worker not yet determined to be a border related case or community case. Investigation, including WGS, is underway to determine the classification of the case.

*** The status of this case had been under investigation but has now been confirmed.

Death of a man in his 60s

Sadly, today we are reporting the death of a man in his 60s at North Shore Hospital. The man was admitted to hospital on November 4 with COVID-19 symptoms and subsequently tested positive. He died on Tuesday.

Our thoughts are with his family and whānau at this deeply sad time. The whānau has been offered support by the DHB.

Today's cases

Today we are announcing new cases in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, the Lakes District/Taupō and Canterbury.

Information on these cases is included in the regional updates below.

Wastewater

COVID-19 has been detected in wastewater samples collected in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui on November 15. This follows positive detections from samples collected on November 10 and 11.

COVID-19 was also detected in samples collected in Taupō on November 13 and 15 and in Tūrangi on November 15.

A sample collected in Masterton on November 15 was negative.

Anyone in these areas who has symptoms – no matter how mild – is encouraged to get tested, even if they are vaccinated. Visit the Healthpoint website for a full list of testing centres open today in Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Tūrangi, Taupō, and Masterton.

Regional updates

Northland

There are four new cases in Northland; one in Kaitaia, two in Dargaville, and one unlinked case in Whangārei who will be interviewed today. One of these cases is not included in the overall case total today and will be added to the tally on Thursday.

Interviews are ongoing and any new locations of interest will be added to the Ministry of Health's website.

One person remains in Whangārei Hospital in a stable condition.

There were 902 swabs taken throughout Northland on Tuesday.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are mild and they are vaccinated, is urged to get tested. Testing locations in Northland can be found via the Northland DHB.

There were 1041 people vaccinated in Northland on Tuesday. Vaccination centres open in Northland today can be found via the Northland DHB

Auckland

Today, there are 180 new cases to report in Auckland.

There are 18 community centres available for testing across Auckland. The testing centres at Northcote, Balmoral, Wiri and Otara continue to operate extended hours to increase access to testing.

People in Auckland with symptoms, no matter how mild, are urged to get tested - even if they are vaccinated - and remain isolated until they return a negative result.

Public health staff are now supporting 4735 people to isolate at home around Auckland - this includes 2119 cases.

Rosaria Rest Home, Avondale    

Auckland Regional Public Health Service and Auckland DHB continue to provide support to residents and staff at the Rosaria Rest Home in Avondale.

A further resident has returned a positive result following re-testing on Tuesday. Five residents have now tested positive for COVID-19.

Waikato

Today there are five new cases to report in Waikato. Two are from Ōtorohanga, one is from Te Kuiti, one is from Huntly, and one is from Cambridge.

Of the cases, three are known contacts of previous infections. Investigations into the remaining two cases are underway.

There are four cases receiving care at Waikato Hospital.

Across the Waikato there are seven pop-up and dedicated testing centres operating today at Hamilton, Ōtorohanga, Huntly, Ngāruawāhia, and Te Kuiti.

There were 2456 tests processed in Waikato on Tuesday and 2284 vaccinations administered.

In the Waikato region, public health staff are supporting 335 people to isolate at home, including 91 cases and 244 contacts.

Lakes District

Today we are announcing seven new cases in the Lakes District. One of the cases was reported following the 9am cut-off time and will be included in Thursday's tally. 

Six of the new infections are in Taupō and can be linked to known cases in the area. One case is in Tūrangi and is also linked to known cases in Taupō.

Interviews are continuing to determine their movements and any locations of interest will be added to the Ministry's website.

Anyone with COVID-related symptoms in the region is encouraged to get tested – even if the symptoms are mild.

Testing is available today in Rotorua and Taupō. Please check Healthpoint for details.

A pop-up testing site has opened in Tūrangi today. The pop-up testing and vaccination site will open until 4pm daily at the Tūrangi Community Health Centre carpark.

On Tuesday, there were 831 vaccinations administered across the region.

Canterbury

There is one new case to report in Christchurch today. Interviews have determined a clear link to the Auckland cluster.

The person flew back to Christchurch on Flight NZ1295 on Saturday, November 13 after travelling to Auckland for an event. They person became symptomatic on Sunday and went for a test on Monday.

The person lives in a household of six people. The members of the household are isolating and will be tested.

Please check the Ministry's locations of interest for details about any potential exposure sites, if and when they're identified.

Passengers on Flight NZ1295 are advised to monitor for symptoms over the next 10 days and get a test today.

Additional capacity has been added to the current community testing centres in Orchard Rd and Pages Rd in Christchurch - both are open seven days a week. Details are available here.  

People can check if their GP can provide COVID-19 testing by calling them or via the Healthpoint website. There is plenty of capacity at all vaccination clinics in Canterbury.

The drive-through vaccination clinic in Addington is open until 7:30pm every weeknight, and there's a pop up vaccination event in the car park at New World on Ferry Rd Thursday and Friday this week from midday until 6:30pm.

This case will be officially added to our case numbers on Thursday.

1:43pm - Regarding the border between Northland and Auckland, Ardern says enforcement will be decided by the police in conjunction with iwi and the local community.

The region has lower rates of vaccination, which officials are "particularly mindful of", she said, indicating more frequent spot-checks are likely.

Police have operational discretion but will be working with the local community to strike a balance between allowing "safe movement" while acknowledging the region's lower rates of vaccination, Ardern said. The methods of enforcement at the border will be decided by police to "ensure good compliance".

1:40pm - Flight Centre is welcoming the opening of Auckland's border ahead of the festive season.

Flight Centre New Zealand's managing director, David Coombes, says this is the news Aucklanders have been waiting for.  

"Aucklanders will be breathing a sigh of relief today knowing they will be reunited with loved ones and able to make the most of their summer holidays exploring Aotearoa," he said following the announcement on Wednesday. 

Coombes says the opening of the border comes at a crucial time for the tourism sector, which has been decimated due to the ongoing restrictions on travel.

"This is the busiest time of the year for domestic travel, so the sector is rejoicing with the knowledge that the city with the largest population in the country will now be able to get out and about and spend those crucial dollars in regional New Zealand."  

1:37pm - Ardern has reiterated that no region will enter the COVID-19 Protection Framework at 'Green'. 

Addressing the international border, Ardern says "we want to keep making safe and steady progress". Regarding citizens and permanent residents who remain stuck overseas, Ardern said the sheer scale of returnees will need to be assessed, with officials expecting "tens of thousands" of citizens and permanent residents returning each week, up to 50,000.

She says more specific details about the border will be provided before the end of the year.

1:32pm - Dr Bloomfield says the person who has tested positive in Christchurch travelled to Auckland for a tangi and is fully vaccinated. It's understood the person contracted the virus from a family member in Auckland, who has also tested positive, he said.

1:25pm - A further resident of the Rosaria Rest Home in Avondale has tested positive following re-testing on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health has confirmed. Five residents have now tested positive for COVID-19.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service and Auckland DHB continue to provide support to residents and staff at the Rosaria Rest Home.

1:22pm - Meanwhile, COVID-19 has been detected in wastewater samples collected in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui on November 15. This follows positive detections from samples collected on November 10 and 11.

COVID-19 was also detected in samples collected in Taupo on November 13 and 15 and in Turangi on November 15. A sample collected in Masterton on November 15 was negative.

Anyone in these areas who has symptoms – no matter how mild – is encouraged to get tested, even if they are vaccinated. Visit the Healthpoint website for a full list of testing centres open today in Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Turangi, Taupo, and Masterton.

1:17pm - The Ministry of Health has confirmed that a person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Christchurch.

Interviews with public health officials have determined a clear link to the Auckland cluster.

The person returned to Christchurch on Flight NZ1295 on Saturday, November 13 after travelling to Auckland for an event.

The person became symptomatic on Sunday and had a test on Monday.

The person lives in a household of six people. The other members of the household are isolating and will be tested.

Passengers on Flight NZ1295 are advised to monitor for symptoms over the next 10 days and get a test on Wednesday.

Additional capacity has been added to the current community testing centres on Orchard Rd and Pages Rd in Christchurch - both are open seven days a week. Details are available here. There is plenty of capacity at all vaccination clinics in Canterbury.

The drive-through vaccination clinic in Addington is open until 7:30pm every weeknight. A pop-up vaccination event will be held in the car park at New World on Ferry Rd on Thursday and Friday this week from midday until 6:30pm.

This case will be added to the official figures on Thursday.

1:15pm - Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has confirmed one new COVID-related death.

The man, in his 60s, died at North Shore Hospital. The man was admitted to hospital on November 4 with COVID-19 symptoms and subsequently tested positive. He died on Tuesday.

1:10pm - To confirm, the Auckland boundary will formally lift at 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 14. Police will have operational discretion on the enforcement for these rules and perform spot checks.

It is intended that people breaking the rules will face an infringement fine of $1000.

Travellers must be fully vaccinated or have evidence of a negative test result within 72 hours of departure.

Read more here.

1:09pm - Vaccinated Aucklanders or those with a negative test result will be able to travel from December 15, Ardern has announced.

On December 15, Aucklanders who are fully vaccinated or have evidence of a negative test will be able to reconnect with the rest of New Zealand in time for Christmas and summer, Ardern said.

She noted that the country is now better prepared with 82 percent of eligible New Zealanders fully vaccinated, compared to 23 percent three months ago. The rate is projected to hit 90 percent by mid-December.

To minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading from Auckland to other parts of the country, travellers will have to be either fully vaccinated or return a negative test within 72 hours of departure. This requirement will be in place for the core summer period of December 15, 2021 to January 17, 2022.

Ardern also confirmed on Wednesday that the rest of the country will move into the COVID-19 Protection framework at the same time as Auckland. Those parts of the country with lower vaccination rates will move into the new system at Red, which has greater protections than the current alert level 2 - meaning there will be stronger measures to minimise the risk of spread. 

"Aucklanders have faced restrictions for an extended period of time to keep the rest of New Zealand safe. But with increased rates of vaccination it's time to open up the ability to travel again," Ardern said.

"Confirming December 15 as the date the boundary requirements change provides certainty. Aucklanders can now book summer travel and accommodation with confidence and businesses inside Auckland and around the rest of the country can plan for summer travellers.

"The boundary is of course two ways, so the changes also mean Aucklanders and Auckland businesses can start receiving New Zealanders from all over the country, allowing families and friends to reconnect and businesses to receive a much needed boost before Christmas. 

"Police will have operational discretion on the enforcement of these rules. Police undertake random spot checks to enforce a range of laws on our roads, such as drink-driving, and will take the same approach here.

"On the northern boundary, and the gateway to Northland, Police will work with Iwi to ensure people can move, but also that the people of Northland have confidence in the checks that are in place.

"We have given special consideration to the South Island. The combination of the vaccine or testing requirement for Air New Zealand combined with the ability for the inter-islander to operate the same regime will provide solid measures to slow any spread to the South.

"Cabinet will confirm on November 29 its decision to move Auckland into the new traffic light system which we expect will occur soon after the 29th. Auckland will initially move into Red, the highest level in the traffic light.

"We are also confirming today that the rest of the country will move into the framework at the same time as Auckland. Those parts of the country with lower vaccination rates will move into the new system at Red, which has greater protections than the current Alert Level 2, meaning there will be stronger measures to minimise the risk of spread. This decision carefully balances the need to give Aucklanders the ability to move and comfort to the rest of New Zealand that we're still taking steps to slow the spread of COVID.

"We have deliberately set the date for the boundary restrictions to change in a month's time in order to give the rest of New Zealand time to move into the safer traffic light system and the chance to increase vaccination rates even further."

1:05pm - Ardern is making her opening remarks. She says 82 percent of eligible New Zealanders are now fully vaccinated, compared to just 23 percent three months ago. The rate is projected to hit 90 percent in mid-December.

"Our plan is a simple one - to carefully reopen while still protecting New Zealanders' lives and livelihoods."

She reiterated that Cabinet will meet on November 29 to confirm when the COVID-19 Protection Framework will be implemented. 

The rest of New Zealand will move into the framework at the same time as Auckland, she said. Areas with lower levels of vaccination will also move into the 'Red' settings, which offers more protection than alert level 2.

Ardern says the traffic light system is more fit for purpose than the alert level framework and provides greater protections for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated.

1:03pm - There are 194 cases of COVID-19 to report on Wednesday. Stay tuned for the details. 

Prime Minister Ardern and Dr Bloomfield have taken the podium.

12:45pm - A person has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 in Christchurch, according to Stuff.

The case is expected to be officially confirmed during the upcoming press conference.

12:40pm - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield will front a press conference today at 1pm.

It's expected the Prime Minister will announce when Auckland's border will be lifted and how the boundary will be managed.

You can watch the press conference live above.

12:10pm - People are being reasurred you don't need to be a tech wizard to get your COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

Auckland University research fellow Andrew Chen says online isn't the only way to get the pass.

"If they don't have access to technology... there is a phone line so you'll be able to call the Ministry of Health and request they post a vaccine pass to you on paper," he told Magic Talk.

11:55am - With students across Auckland returning to the classroom on Wednesday, road safety charity Brake is reminding drivers to slow down around schools and keep their eyes peeled.

As schools reopen, the surrounding roads will be busier than they have been for several months, the charity said on Wednesday.

Lower speeds help to reduce the risk of death and serious injury, particularly to pedestrians and cyclists. By slowing down around schools, drivers have a much better chance of stopping in time if a child darts across the road - and if a crash occurs, their chance of survival is much higher.

"We're reminding drivers to slow down and look out for kids as students head back to school. Children can make mistakes, and research shows they can't accurately assess a vehicle's speed, so drivers need to give the road their full attention," Brake's NZ director, Caroline Perry, said on Wednesday.

"Many schools already have variable speed limits around them at peak school times, but we urge drivers to commit to slowing down even further, to 30km/h, so they are much more likely to stop in time if a child runs out, and if they do hit, the child is far more likely to survive."

The charity is also reminding drivers that the speed limit when passing a stopped school bus in either direction is 20km/h.

11:40am - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is said to be aiming to authorise booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for all American adults as early as Thursday (local time).

The move would reportedly expand the number of Americans eligible for additional shots by tens of millions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) independent committee of vaccine experts has scheduled a meeting for Friday to discuss data on the booster shot's efficacy and safety. If both the FDA and the CDC sign off this week, it will come a little more than a week after Pfizer asked for the authorisation of boosters for everyone 18 and older.

Under that scenario, any adult who had received their second dose of the vaccine at least six months earlier would be officially eligible to get a booster as soon as this weekend.

On Monday, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced that free booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine will be available to eligible New Zealanders from November 29. To get a booster shot, people must have had their second dose six or more months ago.

11:25am - As we near Wednesday's 1pm update, here's a look back at the case update from Tuesday with the record 222 community cases:

11am - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will join COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield for Wednesday's 1pm press conference.

They're expected to announce when Aucklanders will be able to leave the region for summer and the process to do that.

We will livestream that above and broadcast it on Three.

10:40am - A decision on mandating COVID-19 vaccination for police is "imminent", according to Police Minister Poto Williams. 

"The mandating? We are working on that with other ministers right now and decisions on that are imminent, very soon," she told reporters when asked for an update. 

"They're very soon, so alongside other ministers, we have to make decisions, but that won't be far away. I've already been on record as wanting to keep the police safe."

Read more here. 

10:20am - Kids in Auckland and Waikato are heading back to school on Wednesday, but the return to the classroom has proved contentious for students, parents, and teachers alike.

For students in stricken Auckland, the sudden shift could be a cause for anxiety after three months of remote learning. It's also a daunting time for parents, with many concerned for their child's safety as COVID-19 continues to spread. Children aged under 12 are not yet eligible for the vaccine, with some experts expressing concern that schools are a breeding ground for the virus. 

Asthma New Zealand chief executive, Katheren Leitner, and nurse and concerned parent, Brianna Hoskin, spoke to The AM Show on Wednesday morning about the transition.

Watch the full interview here.

10:10am - Here is the case summary as of Tuesday's update:

9:55am - Kiwis are now able to download their ticket to freedom - if they can get on the website. 

As of Wednesday morning, people will be able to download their vaccine certificates - a document that certifies its holder is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 - via the Ministry of Health's platform, My COVID Record. 

But COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins admitted to The AM Show on Wednesday that the site is already struggling to cope with the demand. As of 7am, the website was already crashing for Kiwis attempting to access their certificate.

Read more here.

9:40am - A number of issues have been picked up with the vaccine passport and the website to request one: 

9:25am - My Vaccine Pass is now available if you're able to get on the website. 

But there appear to still be a few issues for some users.

9:15am - From a surge in cases in some European countries to New York announcing plans for its New Years party for vaccinated people, there's been a number of COVID-19 developments overnight.

Check out Newshub's wrap of the latest from around the world here.

9am - Dr Andrew Chen, a research fellow at Koi Tū – Centre for Informed Futures at the University of Auckland, says vaccine passports should be thought of like drivers' licences. 

"When you apply for a drivers licence, you have to meet certain requirements (like passing a test that proves you can operate a vehicle safely), and then it's valid for a certain time period before you have to renew it. When you are holding the licence, it means you are legally allowed to operate a vehicle. 

"The vaccine pass means that at the time you apply for it, you meet the requirements for being considered vaccinated, and then the pass will be valid for six months from then. When you are holding the pass, it means you are legally allowed to enter premises that require a vaccine pass under the COVID Protection Framework (traffic-light system)."

It will have all your key details on it along with a QR Code that can be scanned at venues. 

"Crucially, once you have a vaccine pass, please don't share it via social media. While the risk is very low, there is the possibility that someone with the same or similar name to you could try to use your pass at venues that don't check ID. It also makes it more likely that those who are very motivated to defraud the system (e.g. anti-vaxxers) may use your information to circumvent the system.

"The government is releasing the passes ahead of moving towards the traffic-light system so that there is plenty of time for people to iron out the wrinkles before the passes are actually needed. Some people will face difficulty getting into My COVID Record because they don't have the required identification documents, and might need to request a new birth certificate or go through a different process. There is also a phone number that people can call (0800 222 478) if they don't have access to technology or are struggling to get through to My COVID Record, and they can request a pass to be posted to them."

Dr Chen says it is "unfortunate" the world requires vaccine passports, but he understands why they are needed. 

"The public health risk justifies the intrusion into our lives, and the passes have been designed with privacy in mind - even if they are not perfect at protecting privacy. My hope is that we can stop using them soon, and I call on the government to provide more certainty on the conditions where we can stop using the vaccine passes."

8:50am - It doesn't appear people can yet download their vaccine certificate even if they manage to log on to the website. We're told they will be available on Wednesday morning, but it's unclear at what exact time.  

8:35am - Here's the latest DHB by DHB vaccination rate breakdown, including doses up until Monday night.

8:25am - After six weeks in lockdown, Waikato has woken to level 2. The Prime Minister on Monday said the decision to move the region down alert levels was based on "public health advice and widespread testing showing a low likelihood of wider community transmission occurring".

"Since parts of the Waikato moved into Alert Level 3 six weeks ago there have been 233 cases. People in the Waikato have helped to keep case numbers low especially by going out and getting tested, the Waikato has the second highest testing rates in the country.

"Alongside many people got vaccinated to keep each other safe. I want to say thank you to Waikato people. One of the best ways to protect the whole community is to have a highly vaccinated community.

"Vaccination rates for the Waikato are currently at 89 per cent for first doses, and 79 per cent for second doses. Waikato is just 3893 doses away from reaching 90 per cent first dose.

"If you are vaccinated already, now’s the time to make sure that friends and whānau who have been hesitating get their shots.

"Alert Level 2 means you can go to work, to hospitality, schools are open, events and sports can go ahead, and when New Zealand moves into the new traffic light framework more freedoms will open up.

"It doesn’t mean dropping our guard though, and we’re now asking people in the Waikato to wear a mask, keep distance from others, scan in wherever they go, and isolate and get tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19. "

8:10am - AUT has released a study looking at how the pandemic has impacted  people's social lives.

A survey of 966 New Zealanders between February and August this year, while the country was at alert level 1, asked how their friendships and social lives were compared to before the pandemic.

The majority (55 percent) said they were "more or less the same", while 26 percent had become less social. Some had decided to avoid large gatherings due to the threat of COVID, while others were unable to see loved ones due to border controls or financial insecurity.

Others said during last year's lockdown they began to "fall out of the habit of socialising" and friendships had been strained, "perhaps because of disagreements over New Zealand’s COVID response, or because of resentments harboured against friends who they said had neglected them during the lockdown to focus on life in their own bubble".

"Some however increased the quality of their friendships, focusing on what was important to them."

About 10 percent said the pandemic has inspired them to be more social.

AUT Associate Professor Sharyn Graham Davies says the findings raise important questions about how we can better support people as we emerge from this pandemic.  

"This research indicates that even after successfully eliminating the virus many people did not return to life as it was. It was encouraging that some of our respondents built better-quality relationships following the pandemic. However, a significant minority of our respondents reported loss of connections and shrinkage of their social worlds long after elimination had been achieved."  

The findings raise concern about the long-term impact of the pandemic on mental health. 

"Social connection is a fundamental human need. While some survey respondents report feeling glad to be free of excessive social commitments and obligations, for many others the changes to their social networks appear to be associated with increasing levels of loneliness, hopelessness, and depression. 

"One way to avoid the lasting impacts of the pandemic is to have plans in place to reconnect as soon as it is safe to do so."  

See the full study here. 

7:55am - National leader Judith Collins is defending former MP Matt King after he voiced anti-vaccination opinions in a lengthy social media video.

King, who was voted out as Northland MP in the 2020 election, posted the 40-minute video last week. In the video, King was joined by University of Auckland epidemiologist Simon Thornley.

The video contained several conspiracy theories including COVID not being any worse than the flu and misinformation about the vaccine. It has been slammed as dangerous by University of Auckland epidemiologist Professor Rod Jackson.

But on Wednesday, King's former boss Judith Collins defended him, telling The AM Show he's a "lovely guy".

"Matt King is a lovely guy and he genuinely is concerned about some of the information that he has received."

Read more here.

7:40am - In his statement earlier on Wednesday, Hipkins said people should be patient when trying to get their certificate.

"The pass will be issued by the Ministry of Health. People can log onto My COVID Record to make a request for the free pass or call 0800 222 478.

"People can log in from later this morning, but we’re asking for patience and for people to wait for a couple of days to ease any demand on the IT system and call centre staff."

7:25am - COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins is on The AM Show. The minister says the legal framework around vaccine passports will go to Parliament next week and they'll be used when the traffic light system comes into force before the end of the year.

The system is "struggling to cope with the demand" already on Wednesday morning, the minister says. That's a "good sign", he says. The system can produce about 200 certificates per second, but a lot of people are trying to log on, he says. It will take the longest for those who haven't created their My COVID Record.

He is aware Aucklanders are looking for certainty around the boundary after doing the "hard yards" on behalf of all New Zealanders. More detail of how that will look like will be released on Wednesday afternoon.

There has been great levels of vaccine uptake across the education and health sector as mandates come into effect. The latest report from DHBs he has seen is that there is about 2 or 3 percent of their staff who haven't been vaccinated. The Ministry of Education is working with the fewer than a dozen schools who are having issues.

7:15am - Those wanting to log in to My COVID Record ahead of the vaccine certificates being released may find they can't. At times this morning, clicking the 'log in' button brings up a 'Something went wrong' message. Another message coming up says "too many requests".

7am - All schools are able to return to onsite learning on Wednesday after three months in lockdown. Here's the statement Chris Hipkins released when he announced the move: 

Auckland and Waikato students in years 1-10 can return to face-to-face learning at schools and kura from 17 November, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today.

"Lockdowns can be stressful for children and young people, so returning to some on-site learning will mean they can reconnect with their teacher and friends. Starting this month will provide certainty ahead of the Christmas break and before the new school year starts," Chris Hipkins said.

"Public health advice supports a return to onsite learning. Measures to help minimise the risk of COVID-19 will include mask wearing from year 4 up in most cases, ventilating classrooms, limiting the number of students on site, and making sure groups of children distance from each other.

"Each school and kura will decide what works best for their learners and their community. That might be by alternating days or half weeks – through year levels, or through whānau groupings. Full-time learning will continue on-site for students whose parents have needed it, for example to go to work.

"Thank you to those who have engaged with us on this over the past fortnight, we appreciate your feedback and have taken on board that you wanted a few extra days preparation time, and for all students not to come back at once.

"The health advice also tells us that in other countries, out-of-school activities create a greater risk of transmission than what happens at places of learning. It is clear that the risk of reopening schools is outweighed by the benefits of kids re-engaging with their learning face-to-face in this context," Chris Hipkins said.  

While most students in years 1-8 will be returning part-time, years 9 and 10 will be able to return full time alongside those already back at high schools in years 11-13.

"With really strong vaccination rates, the balance of risk has shifted," Chris Hipkins said.

"As vaccinations rates increase, including the requirement for teachers to have at least one COVID-19 vaccination from Monday, the risk to children and students is lowered.

Chris Hipkins said year 11-13 students have been back at school at Level 3 full-time for some weeks now to help re-engage in their learning, and prepare for exams. 

"Parents, caregivers and teachers have been doing an incredible job helping children to adapt and learn online, I want to thank them for that and acknowledge those school leaders and teachers who will be working hard from here to prepare for hybrid learning from 17 November."

6:50am - COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced that vaccine certificates are ready to download in time for the summer break. 

My Vaccine Pass is an official record of someone's COVID-19 vaccination status and will allow access to places that require proof of immunisation under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.

The pass will be able to be downloaded later on Wednesday morning.

Here are five things you need to know.

6:40am - Former National MP Matt King has raised eyebrows this week after appearing alongside University of Auckland epidemiologist Simon Thornley in a Facebook video to speak about ideas common in anti-vax groups. Much of the pair's claims in the video have been rubbished by Thornley's fellow University of Auckland epidemiologist, Professor Rod Jackson.

National's Judith Collins told The AM Show on Wednesday that King is a "lovely guy" and he "genuinely is concerned about some of the information he has received".  But Collins has stressed its not National Party policy.

6:35am - Speaking to The AM Show, National's Judith Collins says she will be adding the vaccination certificate to her phone. She's "delighted" with the "good announcement" after she says she has put pressure on the Government since February to get the system up and running.

On the issue of when Aucklanders should be allowed to leave the region, Collins says at 85 percent double dose across its three DHBs and 80 percent across the rest of the country, there shouldn't be a need for restrictions like we currently have. She's also opposed to checkpoints on the boundary of regions.

The National leader hasn't discussed her summer plans with her family yet as she has been away from home a lot over lockdown. But she's looking forward to some "quality time" in Auckland and possibly heading to Queenstown. She wants to help out the local tourism sector.

6:25am - Details of how Aucklanders will be allowed to leave the region for summer are expected on Wednesday afternoon.

Newshub understands vaccinations may not be absolutely necessary, however, with a negative test a possible alternative.

Watch Jenna Lynch's report here.

6:15am - Kia ora, good morning, and welcome to Newshub's live updates for Wednesday.

Wednesday is set to be a busy one, with the Government expected to announce it's long awaited decision regarding the Auckland boundary. Many residents are hoping to leave the region for summer after more than three months in lockdown and while the Prime Minister has committed to allowing this, so far details of how it may work have been scarce.

It comes as COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins reveals vaccine certificates are ready and will be available to be downloaded on Wednesday. These will become key when the traffic light system comes into force as they'll be needed to enter the likes of hospitality venues at higher levels.

School is also back on Wednesday for all students. While senior secondary students are already back behind the desk, those in Years 1 to 10 have been stuck at home still. While most students in Years 1 to 8 will be returning part-time, Years 9 and 10 will be able to return full time alongside those already back at high schools in Years 11 to 13.