As it happened: Latest on COVID-19 community outbreak - Tuesday, December 14

Aucklanders have been given the gift of freedom this Christmas, with the region set to transition to the Orange setting of the traffic light system in time for New Year's Eve.

On Monday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland would be leaving the restrictive red setting in 2021 and celebrating the New Year with newfound freedoms. 

All other regions currently under red restrictions will also be transitioning to orange at 11:59pm on December 30 - aside from Northland, which is battling to boost its flagging vaccination rates.

But not everyone is pleased with the news, with Auckland's stricken business owners berating the Government for being too cautious. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff also said the city deserved to move to orange this week due to its declining case numbers and high rates of vaccination, but acknowledged "there is still risk there".

Tuesday also marks the last day of Auckland remaining isolated from the rest of the country, with its regional boundary set to lift at 11:59pm - allowing travel in and out of the region to resume for the first time in almost four months.

What you need to know:

• There are 80 new cases of COVID-19 to report on Tuesday - 51 in Auckland, 21 in Waikato, seven in Bay of Plenty and one in Lakes.
• Sixty-two people are in hospital, four of whom are in intensive care or high dependency units.     
• All regions currently in red, aside from Northland, will move to orange at 11:59pm on Dec 30.
• Auckland's border will open on Dec 15, allowing fully vaccinated Kiwis to travel to and from the region. People can also present a negative test received within 72 hours prior to departure.
• Workers covered by the My Vaccine Pass mandate - staff working at businesses that are required to use jab certificates to fully operate - must be fully vaccinated by Jan 17.
• The traffic light settings announced on Monday will stay in place until at least Jan 17, the date of Cabinet's next review.
• Several flight crew staff have been identified as close contacts of person who tested positive for the Omicron variant in Australia.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest locations of interest here.

These live updates have finished.

9pm - ACT leader David Seymour says the queues leaving Auckland to head north are quickly going to become unreasonably long and a safety risk with "Police confirming the intent is to check every passenger vehicle leaving Auckland".

"Police had said to Newsroom, 'The checkpoints will not be stopping every car and will not hold up traffic unnecessarily or impede essential travel, but travellers should be prepared and expect to be stopped'.

"But tonight, on Newstalk ZB the same officer, Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said it was only trucks, emergency vehicles and those with exemption stickers who would get through. He said it was his 'intent to check every passenger vehicle from Auckland' and 'if they could that would be ideal'."

Seymour says police's earlier media release contradicts Jacinda Ardern, since she told him it was police who initiated the checkpoints.

"However, Police tonight said, 'Following discussion with iwi, we have determined that the fixed checkpoints and spot checks, provide an appropriate level of reassurance to keep both locals and visitors safe'.

"The checkpoints issue is now a farce. New Zealanders want a Police force that upholds the law, not joins in on lawlessness.

"These checkpoints are a waste of Police time and resources and Police should never have been bullied into setting them up by iwi and Labour."

8:30pm - Three doctors have had their practising certificates suspended on an interim basis pending investigation for "conduct relating to COVID-19".

Dr Peter Canaday, Dr Emanuel Garcia, and Dr Matthew Shelton have drawn attention for their opposition to COVID vaccinations.

Dr Canaday is accused of spreading COVID-19 and vaccine falsehoods via public talks and online presentations about the pandemic and vaccine rollout.

RNZ reports Dr Garcia - a Wellington psychiatrist - also released multiple videos opposing the vaccine, saying in one he was "deeply concerned" about the Pfizer rollout.

And Stuff reports Dr Shelton texted patients at his practice saying he did not support vaccinating children and pregnant and fertile women.

Read the full story here.

8:10pm - Discontent is growing among 'freedom' groups just days before a COVID-19 protest in the capital, with Billy Te Kahika Jr lashing out at Brian Tamaki and others who oppose anti-vaccine mandates in an impassioned livestream.

The failed politician and conspiracy theorist took to social media this week after attending a 'unity meeting' alongside representatives of a range of groups that oppose the Government's COVID-19 restrictions.

He claims he and several attendees were concerned that Tamaki's Freedom and Rights Coalition (TFRC) would dominate speeches at this week's protest at the expense of hearing from representatives of other anti-mandate groups.

In a half-hour-long video that took aim at several groups, Te Kahika said this is what happened at the November 9 protest and described it as "disgraceful".

He went on to accuse Tamaki of manipulating "concerned, distressed and angry people" and exploiting the success of TFRC protests to recruit members to Destiny Church, the church he founded and leads.

"The Freedom and Rights Coalition have come along, and of course they're promoting Brian [Tamaki] as the only guy who's ever stood up and spoke up," Te Kahika said.

"Well the reality of it is, I wasn't the first - but I was way before Brian."

Read the full story here.

7:40pm - COVID-19 vaccines will be mandatory for all students, staff, contractors, tenants, and visitors of Lincoln University's campus and farms.

The requirement will apply from February 14, 2022 and will be reviewed June 1, 2022.

Lincoln University Chancellor Bruce Gemmell says requiring My Vaccine Passes for campus access is a significant step for the university towards maintaining a safe environment for students and staff to learn, teach, research, and work in.

"The decision to mandate vaccines to access campus reflects the University's view that the health and safety of our people come first," he says.

"It has not been an easy decision, but rather a carefully deliberated one, underpinned by a thorough risk assessment and importantly, a university-wide consultation with students, staff, contractors and tenants.

"I am pleased to say that the majority of the responses we've received were fully supportive of mandating vaccination for campus access."

Acting Vice-Chancellor Bruce McKenzie says that the decision to mandate COVID vaccines on campus provides a balanced measure of certainty that Lincoln can remain open regardless of the level of the traffic light system.

"Throughout the past 26 months of unparalleled challenges and fluctuating alert levels, I am deeply proud of how our Lincoln whānau continue to rise to the challenge, exemplifying our value of manaakitanga," he says.

"Mandatory vaccination offers the reassurance of far less disruption for our staff and students in not having to move in and out of the red traffic light setting."

Prof McKenzie says being fully vaccinated not only offers protection from the effects of the virus but also enables students and staff to participate in on-campus activities.

"Being on campus is such an important part of the student university experience," he says.

"We aim to ensure students have access to the exceptional on-campus experience and a quality education they have come to expect from Lincoln University, in a safe environment."

7pm - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is standing by her decision to enforce vaccine pass checks to and from Auckland or risk large COVID-19 outbreaks seen in Europe. 

Ardern made the remarks in Parliament on Tuesday under questioning from National leader Christopher Luxon, who fears police spot checks and checkpoints will cause traffic jams as Aucklanders depart for the summer.

The Auckland border drops on December 15 but travellers in and out of Auckland must carry evidence of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken 72 hours before departure.

"Don't Aucklanders, after 15 weeks in lockdown, deserve at least some idea of how long they'll have to sit in traffic to get a summer holiday?" Luxon asked Ardern. 

The Prime Minister said police will determine how they manage compliance checks, the same way police manage drink driving checks. 

"There are those who will call to move faster, to abandon protections and to hastily lift restrictions. We know from international experience those who've done that have had to reimpose restrictions," Ardern said. 

"Our plan seeks to move forward carefully but also to make progress."

Ardern suggested Luxon was reckless, quoting back to him remarks he made earlier this month stating National's opposition to the COVID Protection Framework, or 'traffic light' system, which has replaced the alert levels. 

Read the full story here.

6:30pm - The following is an update from police on the checkpoints at Auckland and Northland:

Over two million vehicles stopped at Auckland boundary checkpoints

For 100 days Police and Defence Force staff and iwi volunteers have been at the frontline of the checkpoints north and south of Auckland engaging with drivers and ensuring compliance with the Health Orders in place.

Since September 6 over 2.1 million vehicles have been stopped at the checkpoints and in general compliance has been very high with only 0.9 percent of vehicles turned around because those travelling did not meet the requirements.

Additional to the 2.1 million vehicles, since September 17 staff at the checkpoints have also stopped over 140,000 heavy vehicles with 1.8 percent turned around for non-compliance.    

With the change to the boundary settings in Auckland the checkpoints will be removed from midnight tonight.

"It has been a long three months for our staff working at the checkpoints, working at times in some very tough conditions. They have played an important role in keeping our communities safe in a pandemic environment and helping to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers.

Police officers from across Tāmaki Makaurau have worked on the checkpoints and these numbers have been boosted by additional officers from around the country.

"I would like to thank and acknowledge all staff who have worked at the checkpoints and also recognise those travelling for their patience while documentation was checked."

The disestablishment of the north and south boundary checkpoints will occur tonight and it is expected to take a few hours.

Those keen to leave the city at midnight can expect delays.

We will have a number of staff in the area keeping an eye on traffic and making sure everyone is safe on our roads.

Once the checkpoints lift, random spot checks will be in place at both the north and south exits of Auckland, and Waikato Police District is ready to do the same.

Northland Community Compliance Checkpoints

Community Compliance Checkpoints in Northland will be set up at two locations when the new COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system) comes into effect at 11:59pm tonight.

While the new traffic light system provides for more freedoms, the Health Order requires people travelling from Auckland to other regions, to be either fully vaccinated or have evidence of a negative COVID test within the preceding 72 hours.

Northland locals and residents travelling from regions outside of Auckland may be asked to show proof of address.

The checkpoints will be located in Uretiti on SH1 and on SH12 at Maungaturoto from 11:59pm Tuesday December 14 and will be for north-bound traffic only.

Police and Waka Kotahi will have traffic management plans in place to move traffic through the checkpoints as efficiently as possible however there may be delays so please factor this into your travel plans.

Police staff from within and outside Northland district will manage the checkpoints with support from police recruits from the Royal New Zealand Police College, and Iwi representatives.

Iwi representatives volunteering at the checkpoints have been police vetted, and provided with training on their roles.

The Community Compliance checkpoints have been established following concerns from Iwi leaders about the potential risk of COVID-19 having a particularly harsh impact on their vulnerable communities.

"Following discussion with iwi, we have determined that the fixed checkpoints and spot checks, provide an appropriate level of reassurance to keep both locals and visitors safe," said Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.

Visitors to Northland will be reminded of the travel restrictions and checks will be made that the restrictions are being adhered to.

We will also be engaging with visitors to  remind them of the ways they can keep themselves and their regional hosts safe – vaccination, face coverings and scanning.

The Community Compliance Checkpoints are Police-led.

Only Police have the power to stop vehicles and issue infringement notices.

Our staff will work closely with volunteers to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible.

This will mean that not every vehicle will be checked, but motorists should plan ahead and ensure they have the right documentation ready to show our staff.

Delivery trucks and service vehicles will be waived through the checkpoints to keep queues to a minimum.

The Community Compliance Checkpoints will be in place for a short time when the bulk of travel is expected to occur, and will be swapped out with spot checks and reassurance visits.

It is important to remember the pandemic is not over, and we are migrating to a new process that will require patience and understanding from everyone.

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

5:30pm - There are four new locations of interest. They are:

• BP Tauriko, December 10 from 5:30am to 6:45am
• Babas Turkish Pyes Pa, December 11 from 7:15pm to 8:30pm
• Four Square The Lakes, December 11 from 7:18pm to 8pm
• Animates Tauriko, December 12 from 9am to 10:45am.

5pm - National's COVID-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop says the Government should immediately allow fully vaccinated travellers from Australia to come to New Zealand and skip MIQ before Christmas.

"The Government is stubbornly refusing to allow fully vaccinated Kiwis in Australia from coming home for Christmas on the basis they are a 'cumulative risk' to New Zealand. This flies in the face of the facts. Over 4800 travellers have come to New Zealand from Australia since August 23 and as Chris Hipkins told me in Parliament today, not one single fully vaccinated traveller has tested positive for COVID," Bishop says.

"There will be empty chairs at the Christmas dinner table this year thanks to the Government's stubborn refusal to adopt a fair and proportionate approach at the border. Kiwi travellers from Australia will be allowed from January 17, but why not now?

"The data is very clear. The risk of allowing fully vaccinated travellers from Australia to New Zealand is pretty much zero."

Bishop says it "doesn't make any sense" that fully vaccinated Aucklanders can leave the city from tomorrow and travel around the country, but fully vaccinated Kiwis offshore can't arrive in Aotearoa unless they go into MIQ.

"In the Government's own words, COVID is here and it is spreading. It is a real perversion of priorities to have fully vaccinated travellers without COVID in MIQ taking up space that could be better used for people in the community who actually have COVID," Bishop says.

"MIQ is causing enormous human anguish and pain and the sooner we can dismantle it, the better. New Zealand cannot remain in splendid isolation forever, locked away from the rest of the world. We have to connect to the rest of the world and given the risk of allowing fully vaccinated travellers from Australia is so low, New Zealand's first move should be to allow fully vaccinated travellers from Australia."

4:30pm - There are five new locations of interest. They are:

• Te Kuiti Medical Centre, December 6 from 10:01am to 11:46am
• Countdown Fraser Cove, December 10 from 6:45am to 8:45am
• Te Puna Deli, December 10 from 11:15am to 12:40pm
• Pathlab Greerton, December 13 from 7:45am to 9:30am
• BP Te Puna, December 13 from 10:30am to 11:45am.

4pm - ACT leader David Seymour says Jacinda Ardern "doesn't know" how long holiday makers will be held up at checkpoints over summer, and now that she's made them legal, "she's washing her hands of them".

"I asked Jacinda in Question Time how long she thinks is reasonable for people to queue on motorways in the summer heat. She replied that's the problem of the Police and not her Government who's put them in place," he says.

"There will be 74 officers at any one time working on these checkpoints. That's 74 officers who won't be out in the community.

"Why should New Zealanders support a law that takes Police away from fighting crime so they can hand out fines to holidaymakers?"

Seymour questions what would happen if someone came across a checkpoint that has no police officers, only iwi.

"Do you call the police, and when they arrive is the checkpoint suddenly legal?"

He says New Zealanders want a police force that upholds the law, not one that "joins in on lawlessness".

"These checkpoints are a waste of Police time and resources and Police should never have been bullied into setting them up by iwi and Labour."

3:20pm - An Air New Zealand spokesperson has confirmed it is not any of its flight crews who are close contacts of the Omicron case.

The flight crew arrived last night and is currently in MIQ.

3pm - Northland event organisers are devastated that the summer holidays will be spent in the Red setting of the traffic light system.

Te Tai Tokerau is the only region that will remain under Red restrictions come December 31 - spelling goodbye to gatherings of over 100 people for New Year's Eve celebrations.

The top of the country is the least vaccinated region, with more than 14,000 people still needing to get a jab in order for the area to achieve the 90 percent vaccination milestone.

Jacman Entertainment director Jackie Sanders, who lives in the region, told RNZ's Morning Report that Cabinet's decision to keep Northland in the Red setting is "devastating" for many, particularly for businesses.

"We've had to cancel festivals and events in September, October, November, all the Christmas stuff that we help with in the community up here was all cancelled," Sanders said.

Her business relies on a large number of local suppliers, whose livelihoods will also be impacted by the cancellations. The "knock-on effect" will be huge, she added. 

"There's going to be people mothballing, putting their businesses into hibernations... a lot of people are 75 percent down on their bookings, why would you come to Northland, when it's the only place in Red?

"It's really, really devastating for a lot of businesses."

Read more here.

2:40pm - Here's an update on vaccination rates in the Waikato region (data is accurate as of 11:59pm, December 13):

2:25pm - Here's a recap of Tuesday's key updates:

• Ninety percent of eligible residents under Hutt Valley District Health Board are now fully vaccinated.
• As of 11:59pm, Auckland's regional boundary will reopen, allowing domestic travel in and out of the region to resume for the first time in almost four months.
• As of Wednesday, supervised rapid antigen testing will be available for free at participating pharmacies for asymptomatic, unvaccinated people over the age of 12 years, three months, including unvaccinated people planning to travel outside of Auckland. Unvaccinated people who are asymptomatic need to get a supervised rapid antigen test from a pharmacy within the 72 hours prior to departure. The testing is currently only available at no cost for people who are not yet vaccinated and need to get tested for travel.
• Several members of a flight crew have been identified as close contacts of a person who tested positive for the Omicron variant in Australia. These crew members arrived in New Zealand last night and are in a MIQ facility, as per standard international air crew arrival procedure. 
• Sixty-two people are in hospital with COVID-19 (North Shore: 12; Auckland: 20; Middlemore: 26; Waikato: two; Tauranga: two) with four people receiving care in intensive care or high dependency units.
• There are 80 new cases to report - 51 in Auckland, 21 in Waikato, seven in Bay of Plenty and one in Lakes.
• An additional case has been detected in Canterbury, but will be officially counted in Wednesday's case tally.
• Of the 21 new cases in Waikato, the majority reside in Te Kūiti. Exposure events in Te Kūiti and across the region continue to generally be in private settings. 
• The seven cases to report in the Bay of Plenty are all in the Tauranga City area. One is linked to a previously reported case, while the others are still being investigated for potential links. Contacts are being identified and will be contacted for testing and isolation advice.
• The new case under Lakes District Health Board was detected in the Taupō district and is linked to a previously reported case.
• The new case in Christchurch is a close contact of a previously reported case and was already isolating at home when they tested positive. The case was notified after the morning cut-off and will be officially included in Wednesday's case numbers.

2:10pm - Two new locations of interest have been identified in Tauranga by the Ministry of Health as of Tuesday afternoon. They are BP Petrol Station in Tauriko and Kmart in Bethlehem.

People who were at the locations of interest between 5:30am and 7am on December 11 and between 2:45pm and 5:45pm on December 5 respectively are asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 10 days after the date of exposure. If symptoms develop, get a test and stay at home until a negative result is returned.

2pm - An investigation is underway after a person was vaccinated with a used needle at a Christchurch Hospital clinic on Friday. 

In a statement to Newshub on Tuesday, Dr Helen Skinner, the senior responsible officer for the COVID-19 response at Canterbury District Health Board, said the person was immediately informed of the error when staff realised the mistake.

"On Friday afternoon, December 10, a needlestick injury occurred at the 'old CHOC' clinic on the Christchurch Hospital Campus. A needle previously used to vaccinate one person was used for a second person’s vaccination," Dr Skinner said.

"Staff immediately advised the second person that the needlestick injury had occurred when they realised.

"Blood samples were subsequently taken from both people and a comprehensive investigation into how the incident occurred is currently underway."

Read more here.

1:45pm - Eighty-five cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in New South Wales, the state's health department said on Tuesday.

"However, NSW Health expects further Omicron cases to be confirmed in the coming days as results of genomic testing are confirmed," it said.

The state has seen a surge in infections in the last day, reporting 804 new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday (local time) - comparatively, 536 new cases were recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, New South Wales has recorded 87,059 confirmed cases of the virus. 

There are currently 168 people with COVID-19 admitted to hospitals across the state, with 21 people in intensive care units - nine of whom require ventilation.

1:35pm - To recap, several members of a flight crew have been identified as close contacts of a person in Australia who has tested positive for the Omicron variant.

There is limited information available, however the Ministry of Health confirmed the crew members arrived in New Zealand on Monday night and have been taken to a managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facility, "as per standard international air crew arrival procedure".

1:20pm - Here are today's regional updates from the Ministry of Health:

Today's cases

Today, we are reporting new community cases in Auckland, Waikato, Lakes and Bay of Plenty.

We are also announcing an additional case in Canterbury, which will be officially counted in Wednesday's case tally.

Regional updates

We are continuing to ask anyone in New Zealand with symptoms – no matter how mild – to get tested, even if you're vaccinated. Please stay at home until you return a negative test result.

Testing and vaccination centre locations nationwide can be found via Healthpoint.

Auckland

Today, there are 51 new cases to report in Auckland. 

Health and welfare providers are now supporting 2595 people to isolate at home, including 664 cases. 

Waikato

There are 21 new cases to report in Waikato. A large proportion of the new cases are in Te Kūiti.

Exposure events in Te Kūiti and across the region continue to be generally in private settings. We are grateful to all those who have been helping to keep our community safe by getting tested and encourage anyone with symptoms to contact Healthline or their GP and seek a test.

Nine pop-up and dedicated testing sites are operating throughout Waikato today with sites in Hamilton, Te Kūiti, Ngāruawāhia, Huntly, Tokoroa, Putāruru and Ōtorohanga. For a full list of testing sites, see the Waikato DHB website.

Bay of Plenty

There are seven cases to report in the Bay of Plenty today. All are in the Tauranga City area.

One is linked to a previously reported case, while the other cases are still being investigated for potential links.

Contacts are being identified and will be contacted for testing and isolation advice.

Lakes

Today we are reporting one new case in the Lakes DHB region. This case is in the Taupō district and is linked to a previously reported case.

Canterbury update

There is one case to announce in Christchurch today. The case is a close contact of a previously reported case and was already isolating at home when they tested positive.

The case was notified after the morning cut-off and therefore will be officially included in Wednesday's case tally.

Christchurch testing locations and opening hours are available via Healthpoint.

1:19pm - There are 80 new cases of COVID-19 to report on Tuesday - 51 in Auckland, 21 in Waikato, seven in Bay of Plenty and one in Lakes. 

Several flight crew staff have also been identified as close contacts of person who tested positive for the Omicron variant in Australia.

Here's the full statement from the Ministry of Health:

90 pct of Hutt Valley DHB residents double-dosed; 80 community cases; 62 people in hospital, 4 in ICU

There were 18,527 vaccine doses administered on Monday, including 2434 first doses and 6849 second doses. To date, 94 percent of eligible people in New Zealand have had their first dose and 89 percent are fully vaccinated.

To minimise the spread of COVID-19 this summer, we all need to play our part. We're asking everyone to stick to the basics. Get tested if you're unwell, even if you're vaccinated, and stay at home until you receive a negative result.

Be sure to wear a mask or face covering when you're out and about, keep track of where you have been using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or a manual diary, and have your My Vaccine Pass ready for use wherever it is required.

Finally, if you're not vaccinated yet, please get your first dose today. Getting vaccinated is the best way for New Zealanders to protect themselves, their loved ones, whānau and communities from COVID-19.

Testing reminder

Unvaccinated people who are asymptomatic and require surveillance testing for travel need to get a supervised rapid antigen test from a pharmacy within 72 hours of travel.

This testing is for people over the age of 12 years and three months who are not fully vaccinated and do not have COVID-19 symptoms - and includes unvaccinated people travelling out of Auckland.

Rapid antigen testing at pharmacies is currently only available at no cost to people who are not yet vaccinated and need to get tested for travel.

Anyone with any COVID-19 symptoms is asked to get a PCR test at a community testing centre or a GP and stay at home until a negative result is returned. People who are vaccinated do not need to get a rapid antigen test or a PCR test for travel, as long as they carry their My Vaccine Pass.

People getting tested for the right reasons at the right places will help ensure that test results continue to be returned in a timely manner. The location and hours of pharmacies offering rapid antigen tests will be available via Healthpoint.

Omicron close contacts

Several members of a flight crew have been identified as close contacts of a Omicron variant case in Australia. These crew members arrived in New Zealand last night and are in a managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facility, as per standard international air crew arrival procedure. 

1pm - With the vast majority of the country set to enjoy New Year's Eve at the 'Orange' setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework - and Auckland's regional boundary reopening on Wednesday - there are questions as to whether the Government's testing regime will be able to keep up with the impending freedoms.

From Wednesday, non-symptomatic, unvaccinated people are able to undergo supervised rapid antigen tests for free at participating pharmacies. Evidence of a negative test taken within the 72 hours prior to departure is required for domestic travel if the person is not fully vaccinated. 

Addressing New Zealand's testing capacity, Terry Taylor, the president of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science, said "reliable, accurate surveillance and diagnostic testing" is critical to mitigating the risks of widespread community transmission. 

"As the provincial and international borders free up there is the expectation that this will lead to widespread community spread throughout the motu. There are two vital weapons in the fight to mitigate the risk - vaccination and reliable, accurate surveillance and diagnostic testing. Aotearoa New Zealand is fortunate to tick both boxes as we move into the well-deserved summer holidays," Taylor said on Tuesday.

However, there may be slight delays with testing turnaround times due to regional capacity issues and reduced hours over the holiday period, he said.

"The diagnostic testing comes with a caveat as we head into the summer break. The testing capacity in our large urban hospital and community facilities is being increased all the time. This is all part of the planning to increase our daily capacity to around the 50,000 to 60,000 mark. This is on top of the 200,000 other laboratory tests performed daily," Taylor explained.

"Regional holiday hotspots around the motu do not have the capacity for large-scale testing but will be available for testing acute cases. This means that the majority of PCR tests will be shipped to a larger nearby laboratory that has the capacity. In most cases, this travel time will end up adding another day to the turnaround time. It must be remembered that these regional areas do not have the general medical capacity to deal with large numbers of acute cases and that is something everyone who travels to these regional areas needs to be aware of.

"Our large public hospital laboratories are open 24 hours and 7 days a week, but some of the commercial laboratories providing pre-departure testing will have reduced hours over the holiday period. Be aware that if you are going to a remote area before your international flight, the time-frame in getting a sample to one of the commercial providers needs to be factored in."

12:40pm - There is no press conference at 1pm today. Instead, the Ministry of Health will be providing the latest updates in a statement.

12:30pm - A Hamilton mum and former COVID-19 denier is finally back at home after she was hospitalised with the virus. 

Karina Haira, who documented her battle with the virus on social media via a series of Facebook livestreams, says she has received an "overwhelming" influx of supportive messages from across the world.

"[They are] just... thanking me for getting the message through to their own families. It's changed the minds of their families and friends that they've been trying to get vaccinated," Haira said.

Speaking to RNZ's Morning Report, Haira admitted that initially, she did not believe the coronavirus was as dangerous as it was presented.

"I just didn't think that COVID was as bad as it really is," she said. "I wasn't anti-vax though, I was looking into getting it done, I was just really nervous and scared and that's because as a kid I reacted [badly] to vaccinations, my mum told me.

"I just didn't know anybody [who was infected], that's why I didn't believe it. And the media ... doesn't make it as scary as it really is."

Following her diagnosis, Haira's symptoms worsened around the fifth day - the day she recorded her first livestream on social media.

"I was okay and able to get out of bed on the first four days [of infection] and I was able to do things, come the fifth day I was bed ridden. My symptoms just went from okay to really, really bad. I literally could not get out bed. I kept complaining to my husband, 'I can get out of bed, I can't even get up'. I couldn't. I couldn't even stay awake. I just keep sleeping, and my body just ached. I couldn't even move."

While Haira said she understands some of the reasons behind not wanting to get vaccinated, she acknowledged the jabs would have likely prevented her from falling seriously ill.

"I probably would have been a lot better off if I had been vaccinated. I probably wouldn't have been fighting for my life in ICU if I had been vaccinated."

Haira has now returned home and is on the mend. 

- RNZ

12:15pm - Here's a summary of what to expect when travelling following the reopening of Auckland's border on Wednesday:

12pm - Following the Government's decision for Te Tai Tokerau/Northland to remain in the Red setting, Ngāti Kuri has announced #HīkoiTo100, a movement that will run throughout summer to rally iwi vaccinations.  

#HīkoiTo100 will build towards an outdoor music festival at the end of summer to celebrate iwi resilience with those who are fully vaccinated in the community. Headline acts will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Sheridan Waitai, the strategic lead of Ngāti Kuri Iwi Board, is asking everyone to play their part. 

"Over the years hīkoi has been associated with activism. Today as the first people to hīkoi, we are taking this movement from activism to actionism," she said on Tuesday.

Waitai says the unifying idea for #HīkoiTo100 comes from the intrinsic iwi practice of being a good ancestor, which is summed up in the campaign slogan 'Hei tupuna rangatira koe'. 

"While the iwi is not putting in place any hard number targets, we are an aspirational people and our ultimate goal is for 100 percent of eligible iwi members to be fully vaccinated by the end of summer 2022.

"#HīkoiTo100 is a hīkoi to safety and it reflects that as Māori anything you put your hand to, you do it at 100 percent - especially when it comes to kaupapa.

"This is about being a good tupuna. It's about protecting our whakapapa and our way of life so we can get back on track to achieve our dreams and aspirations and back to being able to embrace each other." 

Social media and media content will run throughout summer with iwi updates and trusted information, including Instagram and Facebook Lives with doctors and reliable sources, TikTok wero and quick facts. Pou Uara whānau will be providing regular updates online and face-to-face when possible, with information and kete to whānau inside and outside the rohe. 

"We want whānau to know exactly where we stand on vaccinations and to have quality information and support available to them. With COVID-19 already in the community it has become real for us. And with summer on the doorstep, and whānau and manuhiri returning this is only set to rise."

For details follow #HikoiTo100 online and visit www.hikoito100.com.

11:45am - Former MP Hone Harawira has suggested delaying Christmas in Northland by a couple of months until February 25, allowing the region time to boost its flagging vaccination rates.

On Monday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that all of New Zealand, except Northland, will be in the Orange setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework from 11:59pm on December 30. It means Northland will remain in the most restrictive Red setting at least until the next review on January 17. 

There will be two checkpoints operating at Northland's border from Wednesday following the reopening of Auckland's regional boundary. Harawira's iwi-led checkpoint group, Tai Tokerau Border Control, will be assisting the police in stopping vehicles to check motorists' My Vaccine Passes or proof of a negative test, in a bid to protect Northland's vulnerable communities from potential carriers of COVID-19. 

Harawira said Māori health providers and the District Health Board are working as hard as possible to boost the region's trailing vaccination rates. He told RNZ's Morning Report on Tuesday that Northland needs more time - even suggesting that Christmas be postponed until next year.

"Why don't we move Christmas for Northland to February 25 and then hopefully we'll have borders open for everybody?" he said.

"It's an issue that we want to show the rest of the country - that we're concerned about the health and wellbeing of the people of the north."

Police have said officers won't be stopping every car entering Northland and will instead be undertaking spot checks. Travellers have been warned there may be queues when entering the region, and infringement fines may be issued to those who cannot present proof of vaccination or a negative test result.

In order to travel in or out of Auckland, Kiwis must either have their My Vaccine Pass - proof that they are fully vaccinated - or have evidence of a negative test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.

11:30am - The Ministry of Health is urging Kiwis to be careful after anti-vaccination leaflets containing blatant misinformation were left in the letterboxes of Hamilton residents. 

The leaflets, which were distributed in the Central City area, used Unite Against COVID-19 branding and claimed people were required to receive 120 booster shots. 

"Avoid disappointment and book your next 120 boosters in bulk," the header of the letter said. 

It also included boxes to write personal details such as name, address, date of birth and phone number, as well as a section to book dates for eight booster jabs. 

At the bottom of the letter, in a tiny font, it says, "this is not an official government document, it's meant to make you think" - before promoting the anti-vaccination group, Voices for Freedom. 

Read more here.

11:20am - The Ministry of Health is discussing whether or not to reduce the recommended time between a second vaccination and a booster shot as the Omicron variant rapidly circulates overseas. 

On Sunday, Australia shortened the time between a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and a booster jab from six months to five after recording a rise in Omicron infections. 

It's still unknown how severe the new variant is, but it's believed to be more infectious than previous strains.

Boosters are currently available in New Zealand to people aged 18 and over who received their second vaccination at least six months prior. The roll-out began just over two weeks ago - 156,472 people have already received their booster, according to the latest data.

Most people who are now eligible for boosters are workers at the border or in healthcare, who were prioritised for vaccination at the beginning of the roll-out. 

Ministry of Health chief science adviser, Dr Ian Town, told Newshub that any changes to the booster roll-out will be discussed this month. 

"Data on the impact of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) on vaccination is still emerging. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against the virus," Dr Town said.

"The emerging data on the effect the Omicron variant may have on the Pfizer vaccine will be discussed at the COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group on December 14."

Read more here.

11:10am - Two new studies appear to have confirmed experts' worst fears about the Omicron variant - protection against infection is likely weaker for both the vaccinated and those who contracted a previous strain of COVID-19. 

The fast-spreading variant, first detected in November in southern Africa, is rapidly surpassing the highly infectious Delta strain in nations where it has already found a firm foothold.

The evidence - based on who the variant is infecting - suggests its multiple mutations have given it the ability to evade protection offered by immune systems primed by both vaccines and/or infection. 

Scientists at Oxford University overnight said blood samples taken from people inoculated with two doses of the AstraZeneca or Pfier-BioNTech vaccine do not have enough neutralising antibodies to fight off Omicron.

Their results, published online ahead of peer review, back up findings by the UK Health Security Agency. Its analysis of the UK's first 260 cases of the variant found previously infected people had a three to eight-fold greater chance of reinfection, and vaccines appeared to offer "significantly lower" protection against symptomatic infection. 

Read more here.

11am - In case you missed it, an epidemiologist is questioning if New Zealand should ever go to the Green setting of the traffic light system, warning the move may be too risky given the precarity of the ongoing pandemic.

All of New Zealand, except Northland, will enter the Orange setting from December 30, the Government announced on Monday. It means Auckland and several other regions will emerge from the most restrictive Red setting in time for the New Year.

A move to the Green setting would signify the freedom many New Zealanders have been holding out for since the Delta variant emerged in Auckland in August. The setting does not change anything for the fully vaccinated, but it does allow hospitality venues to serve more customers if they decide not to ask for vaccine certificates upon entry.

"The traffic light system gives additional freedoms and safety to people who are vaccinated - I went to a cafe for the first time in months the other day and I went in there confident that everybody in that cafe was vaccinated," epidemiologist Rod Jackson told RNZ's Morning Report on Tuesday.

"Look, 2022 is going to be messy for the world. I think it's going to be less messy for us - we've got our timing perfect."

Dr Jackson, from the University of Auckland, said New Zealand is likely to weather the storm of 2022 better than other nations, such as Britain, which are grappling to contain outbreaks of the newly identified Omicron variant. However, he urged people to remember "this is the worst public health crisis in 100 years".

"I'm not sure we should ever go Green," he said. "It's all about safety."

The Opposition disagrees, questioning why the likes of the South Island - which has been largely COVID-free throughout the latest outbreak - isn't already at the Green setting.

"What's the point in having criteria if you're not going to follow them? According to the Government's own rules, Auckland should be in Orange and the South Island should be in Green," ACT Party leader David Seymour said in a statement.

"The Government needs to stop making it up as it goes along and follow its own rules."

Read more here.

10:45am - Across the ditch, New South Wales has recorded its highest number of infections since mid-September.

The outbreak has increased by 300 cases overnight, with 804 new infections reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday (local time).

10:30am - Epidemiologist Rod Jackson has defended the Government's decision to wait another two-and-a-half weeks before shifting Auckland and other 'Red' regions to the Orange setting, saying it's simply "too soon" to consider a shift in levels.

New Zealand transitioned to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the traffic light system, on December 3. On Monday, Cabinet convened to review the regional 'traffic light' settings, deciding that Auckland and other Red regions - excluding Northland - will be able to join the rest of the country at Orange just before the New Year.

The decision has proved controversial, with a number of business leaders in Auckland arguing that the region is ready to move to Orange this week - citing Auckland's declining case numbers and high rates of vaccination.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff also said the Government had been overly cautious in its approach, but conceded that less than two weeks into the framework, it was probably still too soon to tell if Auckland had avoided a surge in infections caused by increased socialising under the new system. 

Speaking to RNZ's Morning Report on Tuesday, professor of epidemiology, Rod Jackson, said a lot about how Aucklanders behaved following 'Freedom Friday' - the day New Zealand entered the new framework - is unknown. He noted that at this stage, there's no way of knowing how many potentially "super-spreading" events and parties took place to celebrate the newfound freedom.

"It's simply too short a time to know whether there were any super-spreading events. It's just too soon," he said.

A number of experts have warned that Auckland could see a rise in cases following its transition to the Red setting, due to increased interaction and socialising. However, recent case numbers have remained relatively steady, dropping from the heights seen just weeks ago. 

Jackson said outbreaks will likely be seen among the unvaccinated as people congregate together for support and a sense of unity. Under the framework, the fully vaccinated are rewarded with pre-pandemic freedoms, such as cinemas, bars, and dining out. Those who have yet to receive their jabs cannot enter businesses or premises where vaccine passes, or proof of vaccination, is required.

"Currently you're 10 times more likely to have COVID if you're unvaccinated… increasingly, unvaccinated people are being [forced] into a corner and they will be congregating together, and it will increase their risk," Jackson said.

He also noted that it makes sense to keep Northland in Red for the time being, acknowledging that a mass exodus from Auckland to the north over the summer could see COVID-19 crop up in vulnerable communities with low vaccination coverage - particularly areas with largely Māori populations, who have seen low uptake of the vaccine. That could present a "serious problem", he said.

"It's all about caution, it's easier to keep Northland in red… this is all about safety… this is about keeping Northland Māori safe."

10:15am - With Auckland's regional boundary set to reopen on December 15, Air New Zealand is gearing up for a busy Wednesday with more than 12,000 customers booked to travel in and out of the region across 170 flights.

Air New Zealand's chief customer and sales officer, Leanne Geraghty, says Auckland Airport will be a hive of activity after nearly four months of stringent travel restrictions. 

"Aucklanders have been putting in the mahi to help keep the rest of the country safe, so we're thrilled to be helping reunite them with friends and whānau from tomorrow onwards."

The most popular destination from Auckland on Wednesday is the capital, with 1800 passengers booked to arrive in Wellington, closely followed by Christchurch, with 1700 customers travelling to the Garden City.

Queenstown is also a popular spot, preparing to welcome more than 1200 Aucklanders.

"Tomorrow also marks the start of a very busy summer period, with more than 720,000 customers booked to fly around New Zealand between December 15 and January 31," Geraghty said.

"To add to the atmosphere on the day, we'll have a few surprises at Auckland Airport and on some of our flights across the country too."

From Tuesday, all customers aged 12 or over will be required to present proof of vaccination or evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours prior to departure.

"Our digital solution for allowing customers to show proof of vaccination went live last Thursday, and already we've had nearly 130,000 customers upload their My Vaccine Pass to their Airpoints profile. This means their check in process looks the same as it always has because their vaccination status is already verified," she said.

"We'll have all hands-on deck for the next few days, ensuring customers know exactly what they need to do to make this a seamless journey. My advice now would be to upload your My Vaccine Pass to your Airpoints profile so you're set to travel.

"We are also encouraging customers to arrive at the airport 60 minutes before their flight takes off to make sure they have plenty of time before boarding."

10am - With two-way travel in and out of Auckland set to resume on Wednesday after almost four months of restrictions, Auckland Airport has offered its top tips for getting your trip off to a flying start:

• Before you leave home, check-in online, have your My Vaccine Pass downloaded and ready, and make sure you have a mask on-hand to wear in the terminal.

• New processes to check passengers' vaccination status or proof of a negative test may mean added wait times at the airline check-in - make sure you're at the airport an hour before your flight departure time. It's also possible there will be some extra time spent standing in line, especially during peak times such as first thing in the morning, around lunchtime and in the early evening.

• People are asked to use the pick-up/drop-off area for a 'kiss-and-go' farewell, or the Wait Zone for pick-up when meeting or farewelling friends and family, to help keep the terminal clear for travellers.

• Car parks have reopened, including Park & Ride, so try and book your parking ahead - not only do you get the best deal, but you can use contactless payment.

• If you need assistance, look out for guest services staff – they'll be happy to help.

These are the busiest days for domestic travel at Auckland Airport:

• Thursday, 23 December 2021

• Wednesday, 22 December 2021

• Friday, 24 December 2021

• Monday, 27 December 2021

• Tuesday, 28 December 2021

• Friday, 17 December 2021

• Sunday, 2 January 2022

• Thursday, 16 December 2021

• Sunday, 26 December 2021

• Sunday, 9 January 2022.

9:55am - When Auckland plunged into lockdown 16 weeks ago, Auckland Airport time-travelled back to 1966 - with fewer passengers through the terminals each day than the year the airport first opened.

Now, the airport is preparing for an estimated 4000 percent increase in domestic travellers as Auckland prepares to reopen its borders to domestic travel on Wednesday.

"After four months of near empty terminals, we can't wait to see the buzz and excitement of domestic travel return, with safety being the number one priority and vaccine passes or a negative test being part of the new summer normal," Anna Cassels-Brown, general manager of operations, said on Tuesday.

Passenger numbers are expected to ramp up to just under 27,000 on the busiest days, exceeding the peak of the July school holidays.

Since Auckland's lockdown began in August, domestic travel dwindled to around 600 domestic passengers a day - a dramatic reduction from the 23,000 flying in and out of Auckland Airport in the weeks prior to the restrictions.

"Based on our forecasts, those days leading up to Christmas from the 22nd onward are when a lot of people will be travelling in and out of Auckland Airport, with first thing in the morning, lunchtime and the early evening particularly busy. But even those first days after the Auckland border opens should see a lot of travellers, with close to 30 percent more travellers than the same time last year. We just need everyone to be prepared for that experience, including allowing more time pre-departure," Cassels-Brown said.

Travellers will be required to present evidence of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Travellers are also expected to scan in using their NZ COVID Tracer app, wash their hands frequently and wear a mask, which must be worn in the terminal and on flights. Anyone who is not feeling well or may have COVID-19 should avoid travelling.

"We ask that everyone prepares for a slightly different travel experience. Even if you've been a frequent flyer in the past, please make sure you get familiar with the new processes before you arrive at the airport."

Airlines are asking passengers to check-in online, have their My Vaccine Pass downloaded or proof of a negative test at the ready, and to be at the airport an hour before departure.

"Everyone at the airport will be making sure you are processed quickly, but it's possible that during peak times there will be more queuing – please be patient and know that we're working hard to get you to your destination safely."

9:40am - With Auckland's regional boundary set to reopen on December 15, the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency will be helping police to remove the checkpoints and ensure everyone can get to where they're going safely.

"Road closures will be in place overnight for a short time while this work is carried out, as it's important our teams are given the space to safely dismantle the checkpoints. We ask motorists and freight carriers to plan their travel around this," Jacqui Hori-Hoult, regional manager of operations and maintenance, said on Tuesday.

On the night of December 14, southbound traffic can expect closures in place from 10pm to 1am as the boundary is removed, while northbound traffic can expect stop/go traffic management in place until midnight, with the boundary removed by 1am. 

"In the days following we know that people across the country will be looking forward to re-connecting with friends and whānau ahead of the holiday period and we are expecting the roads to be very busy," Hori-Hoult said.

With this in mind, Waka Kotahi has decided to pause all planned maintenance and capital works involving full road closures on SH1 in Northland, Auckland and Waikato for a period of five days from Wednesday, December 15 to 8pm, Sunday, December 19.

"In the five days before Christmas last year more than 200,000 vehicles left Auckland. We're anticipating some of this rush to take place earlier this year, which is why Waka Kotahi wants to mitigate disruptions where possible, but road users are advised that delays will still be inevitable."

With traffic patterns differing from previous years, people are urged to follow real-time traffic updates via Waka Kotahi's Auckland/Northland and Waikato/BOP Twitter pages or its online traffic and travel tool.

Southbound travellers who choose to leave early on December 15 will be detoured at one point on their route as contractors finish off a series of overnight closures on SH1 at Ōhinewai. However, this work will be completed by 7am. More detail, including detour route information, is available here.

All motorists, whether they are heading north or south, are required to adhere to signage on the state highway network, including temporary speed limits.

Waka Kotahi will also be actively monitoring Cyclone Ruby as it tracks towards New Zealand. The weather event has the potential to impact the state highway network with heavy rain warnings already in place for parts of the North Island. Updates will be provided as needed.

"Predicting Aucklanders' movements leading into Christmas and after four months of boundary restrictions is a tough ask. If you are planning on leaving please make sure your car is registered, has a current WOF and you check your tyres, windscreen wipers and lights," Hori-Hoult said.

Police have indicated they will be working with iwi at two checkpoints at Northland's border from December 15, with travellers needing to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. These checkpoints will be located on SH1 at Uretiti and SH12 Maungaturoto.

9:30am - Rau Tipu Rau Ora, the Tairāwhiti Regional Leadership Group, has written to the Director-General of Health requesting a Public Health Order enabling checkpoints at Gisborne/Tairāwhiti's borders.

The letter is asking for police-led checkpoints to be set up at strategic locations on State Highways 2 and 35, assisted by local iwi/hapū, to check travellers' My Vaccine Passes or negative COVID-19 test results - obtained within the 72-hour timeframe.

Rehette Stoltz, Gisborne Mayor and Rau Tipu Rau Ora co-chair, says the request is based not only on the risk to individuals and communities, but also the fragility of the region's health system.

"The Tairāwhiti health system will struggle to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak amongst our current resident population. The addition of an estimated 10,000 returning whānau members and tourists would place enormous pressure on an already exhausted health workforce," Mayor Stoltz said on Tuesday.

It's estimated that Tairāwhiti's population grows by 25 to 30 percent during the Christmas-New Year holiday period. Due to calls from the local community, Gisborne District Council recently announced that all camping would be restricted to those with vaccination passes.

Selwyn Parata, chairman of Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou and co-chair of Rau Tipu Rau Ora, says townships such as Ruatorea and Uawa, and suburbs in Gisborne, still have highly unvaccinated populations along with high numbers of pakeke (elders), under 12s, and whānau with respiratory conditions.

These conditions are underscored by the "tyranny of distance", he said, and health services that have been "neglected and under-resourced for years".

"We're aware that police checkpoints in partnership with local iwi and hapū will be established in Northland from December 15 when the borders around Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) are lifted," Parata said.

"We're asking the same consideration be given to Tairāwhiti. We do not see this as setting a precedent for other parts of the country, because our circumstances in Tairāwhiti are unique and like Northland they require a bespoke response."

The Rau Tipu Rau Ora governance group was established to oversee the production and implementation of the Tairāwhiti COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan, 'Rau Tipu Rau Ora'. The forum comprises the Gisborne Mayor and the chairs of, local iwi, the Tairāwhiti DHB, Trust Tairāwhiti, Eastland Group Ltd and the Eastern Institute of Technology - Tairāwhiti.

9:10am - A professor of epidemiology at Auckland University says he is unsure if New Zealand should ever go to the Green setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework, citing global instability and the severity of the ongoing pandemic.

Epidemiologist Rod Jackson, a vocal commentator throughout New Zealand's COVID-19 response, told RNZ's Morning Report on Tuesday that he is unsure if the Government should ever utilise the Green setting of its three-step 'traffic light' system. 

It comes after Cabinet reviewed the current regional settings on Monday, deciding that regions under Red restrictions, such as Auckland, will transition to the Orange setting at 11:59pm on December 30. Northland will not be included due to its low vaccination rates. 

Some had been calling for the South Island - which has recorded a handful of cases in Canterbury and some scattered infections in Nelson-Tasman - to move to Green, with one of its criteria being "limited community transmission". But Jackson said he is doubtful if the setting should even be considered at this stage of the pandemic, with the recently identified variant of concern, Omicron, circulating rapidly overseas.

He indicated that a shift to Green - which grants more freedoms to the unvaccinated - could sacrifice New Zealand's "amazing" progress against the virus, as many countries shift in and out of restrictions and battle to contain consecutive outbreaks.

"You've got to be careful what you say, but I'm not sure we should ever go Green - 2022 is going to be messy for the world," Jackson told Morning Report.

"I think it's going to be less messy for us, we've got our timing perfect, whether it's good luck or whatever… if any country in the world is set up to have the least messy 2022, it's going to be New Zealand. I think we've got a good chance of getting through this better than the rest of the world.

"I understand the frustrations of businesses and people, but bloody hell, this is the worst public health crisis in 100 years… [there] could be as many as 15 million dead. This is a major, major crisis and we've just been protected from it - we're frustrated, but we're doing amazingly well."

8:55am - A Dunedin nurse has been referred to a professional conduct committee by the Nursing Council after posting threats online against medical professionals involved in the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out.

Multiple agencies are investigating after the registered nurse posted a video to social media declaring war against COVID-19 vaccinators and labelling participating medical professionals as her enemies.

Under the pseudonym Lauren Hill, the nurse posted a message to an anti-vaccination group on the social media app, Telegram.

In the video, she called on the Prime Minister, the COVID-19 Response Minister and the Director-General of Health to "cease and desist" in the roll-out of the vaccine to five-to-11-year-olds.

RNZ can confirm the woman in the video is Dunedin nurse Lauren Bransgrove, who has been taking part in Voices for Freedom events in the southern city.

The Ministry of Health is aware of the matter and said it has concerns.

Read more here.

8:40am - The Omicron coronavirus variant, now reported in more than 60 countries, poses a "very high" global risk, with some evidence that it evades vaccine protection but clinical data on its severity is limited, the World Health Organization said.

Britain has reported at least one death from the variant, the first publicly confirmed death globally, as health officials say the strain now accounts for 40 percent of all infections in London. Britain's health secretary said on Monday (local time) the Omicron variant will become the dominant variant in the capital in the next 48 hours.

France will be hit by a sixth wave next month due to the emergence of the new and more contagious variant, while the country is still in the midst of its current, Delta-fuelled fifth wave of the pandemic, according to a leading French hospital executive.

Omicron is also expected to become the dominant variant in Denmark this week, with new daily cases reaching around 10,000, the country's Serum Institute said on Monday.

Meanwhile at least 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines have expired in Senegal in the past two months with another 200,000 set to expire at the end of December due to lagging demand, according to the head of its immunisation programme.

Here's the latest on the pandemic from around the world overnight.

8:25am - The Human Rights Commission has launched a new campaign aimed at reducing COVID-related hostility. 

The campaign, 'Dial It Down', is aimed at increasing communication around the virus and reducing sentiments of anger, tension and hostility.

"Across Aotearoa - in person and online - anger, tension and hostility around COVID-19 is high. Whether the aggressions are between strangers, colleagues or whānau, the rhetoric is dividing us. People may have been separated by geographical borders but they're also increasingly parted by viewpoints," the Human Rights Commission said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Dial it Down recognises that we all have a right to freedom of opinion and expression, but that entrenched, polarised views are a danger to society and to people. Encouraging us to consider our netiquette and 'Take a break from the heat', the campaign reminds people to 'comment with dignity' and 'be nice'."

Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon said while it's okay to feel passionate about issues relating to the pandemic, it's important to keep conversations civil.

"It's not okay to personally attack people. You may feel like you are banging your head against the wall because of an argument, but keep in mind that you have more in common with the person on the other side of the discussion than you have differences," he said. 

"Asking whether you'd say the same thing in person when commenting on social media; acknowledging that you have more in common than not; and staying passionate without getting personal; are all tips being promoted by the campaign to dial down the anger a notch."

Read more here.

8:15am - Auckland Mayor Phil Goff accepts that Cabinet felt compelled to stick to its "cautious" approach when reviewing the regional 'traffic light' settings given the overseas spread of Omicron, a variant of concern, and the precarious nature of the ongoing pandemic.

The Government has come under fire for erring on the side of caution in its review of the regional settings on Monday, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announcing that all regions currently in the Red setting can shift to Orange, a less restrictive level, at 11:59pm on December 30 - excluding Northland. Many business owners in Auckland have berated the decision, saying the city's high rates of vaccination and stable number of hospitalisations present a firm case for transitioning to Orange far sooner - such as this week.

Speaking to RNZ's Morning Report on Tuesday, Phil Goff said he can't fault the Government for being "a little bit cautious" in these circumstances, noting the latest developments in the UK, where the Omicron variant now accounts for 40 percent of all cases in London.

"I still accept that there is a risk there. We haven't been through two transmission cycles [since the new framework came into force]," he said.

"You expect Government to be a little bit cautious in [these] circumstances, but that doesn't mean to say that the hospitality industry isn't finding it tough, not being able to… have full bars and restaurants at this time of the year."

Goff acknowledged that the announcement will be particularly devastating for Auckland's stricken hospitality sector, an industry that has already faced more than three months of restrictions and now must enforce strict caps on customers in order to operate.

"I do feel for the hospitality industry," Goff said.

"As I wander along the Viaduct Basin and I look at the bars and the restaurants, it feels a bit like Orange to me already in those environments."

8am - ACT Party leader David Seymour says New Zealanders are being "left behind" as Australia pushes ahead with its reopening plans.

On Monday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the government is powering ahead with its plans to welcome back international students and skilled migrants on Wednesday, December 15 following a two-week pause due to the emergence of the Omicron variant. 

The country's international border will officially reopen to international students, eligible visa holders and tourists from Japan and South Korea on Wednesday, Morrison said.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, Seymour said New Zealand should be making similar steps forward.

"As Jacinda Ardern leaves regions in Red, won't let Kiwis in from Australia, leaves families separated and workers unable to come into the country, Australia is opening up," he said. 

"This will have huge economic benefits for Australia. The international education sector is worth billions, they will attract the skilled workers New Zealand desperately needs and tourism operators will have some relief.

"New Zealand has a similar vaccination rate to Australia but we are being left behind. Students and skilled workers won't wait for us, they will go to Australia because they can."

He claimed Cabinet's ongoing commitment to a "cautious" approach is holding New Zealand back from progressing out of the pandemic.

"Jacinda's cautious approach has gone from a strength to a weakness. We simply can't afford it anymore," Seymour said. "Businesses in Red areas are being held back, universities need the students and we need skilled workers to fill the gaps."

7:50am - At least one person has died in the UK after contracting the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday (local time).

It marks the world's first publicly confirmed death from the swiftly spreading strain, which has been categorised as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Since the first cases of the variant were detected in the UK on November 27, Johnson has imposed tougher restrictions in a bid to curb the spread of the strain. On Sunday, the Prime Minister cautioned that the variant could overcome the immune defences of England's inoculated population, or those who have received two shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The UK gave no details on the death, such as whether the patient had been vaccinated or had underlying health conditions. Deaths from Omicron may have occurred in other countries, but so far none have been publicly confirmed outside the UK.

"Sadly at least one patient has now been confirmed to have died with Omicron," Johnson told reporters at a vaccination centre in London.

The variant now accounts for roughly 40 percent of infections in the capital, he said.

"So I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus - I think that's something we need to set on one side - and just recognise the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population."

Before the death was announced, officials said 10 people aged between 18 and 85 had been hospitalised with the Omicron variant in various parts of England. Most have been vaccinated with two shots, they added.

The UK Health Security Agency said the Omicron variant - first detected in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong in late November - can overcome the immunity of those who are inoculated with two shots of vaccines such as AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech.

South Africa's Health Ministry has been unable to say with certainty if any of its COVID-related deaths have been caused by Omicron, as deaths are not broken down by variant.

Read more here.

7:40am - One business owner unimpressed with Cabinet's decision-making is Mat Jorgensen, the owner of Auckland Central's Infinity Nightclub and Ding Dong Lounge, who described Monday's announcement as "hell" for hospitality venues.

Under the 'Red' setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework, hospitality businesses may only serve a maximum of 100 fully vaccinated customers, who must be seated and separated based on 1m social distancing. Patrons must present their My Vaccine Pass upon entry to show they are fully vaccinated. If a business decides not to ask for proof of vaccination, they must only operate with contactless trading. 

Under 'Orange', there are no caps on customers or social gatherings if vaccine certificates are used, allowing many hospitality businesses to open up to full capacity. 

Speaking to RNZ's Checkpoint, Jorgensen said he felt a mix of "shock, fear, sorrow and despondency" after hearing that Auckland would remain under 'Red' restrictions until the end of the month.

"It's awful for us," he said. "Opening in Red is very difficult, we have massive restrictions on how we can operate and we also have no wage subsidy to help pay our staff. It's pretty desperate times."

Jorgensen told Checkpoint the lead into Christmas usually paid for a lull in January, but in the Red setting, it has been difficult to attract people to a night club - to sit down.

"If we don't open and do well now, there's going to be a lot of us that don't make it," he said. 

"It's hell... we feel like we've been hung out to dry. We keep investing all our life savings in the hope that one day we can open up again and just do what we do and trade. We're all running out of life savings now. We don't feel like the hospitality industry has been treated with respect or honesty. It's very upsetting."

Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett agreed that the announcement meant businesses restricted by capacity limits would earn little money this side of the New Year.

Read more here.

7:30am - To recap, Auckland and all other 'Red' regions - excluding Northland - will transition to the 'Orange' setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework at 11:59pm on December 30.

But not everyone is pleased with the news. After enduring more than three months of restrictions, Auckland's stricken business owners say Cabinet has been too cautious, arguing that the Super City should shift to the Orange setting far sooner than the end of December.

Citing Auckland's declining case numbers and high rates of vaccination, Mayor Phil Goff echoed the criticism, arguing that the region deserved to move to Orange this week.

Goff told RNZ's Checkpoint that Cabinet's decision was too cautious and the delay may impact already struggling businesses, denying them more freedoms over the festive period. 

"I had called for us to move to an Orange light situation and I did so on the basis that we [have] well over 90 percent of the eligible population vaccinated now and that number is rising," Goff said. "It's 97 percent on first vaccine in the Auckland District Health Board area.

"I think we could have been a bit more adventurous... moving a bit sooner to Orange, but it's two weeks away."

He noted that Auckland's stricken hospitality sector would have appreciated more freedoms under the Orange setting in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year's Eve.

"I'm not surprised because the Government has exercised caution and that caution has served us pretty well in the past."

7:25am - Kia ora, good morning, and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak for Tuesday, December 14.