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.
As cases of COVID-19 continue to climb, reaching a record 222 on Tuesday, the decision on whether or not school is still a safe place for learning has not been an easy one for many families - particularly for those who have a child with a health condition.
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 above.
