Latest updates

Latest news and updates from the All-of-Government response to COVID-19.

Updates on COVID-19 cases

The Ministry of Health publishes updates on COVID-19 cases around 1pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday every week.

Media releases on COVID-19 cases at the Ministry of Health (external link)

Displaying 1-10 of 179 updates

Pre-departure testing extended to all travellers to New Zealand

To protect New Zealand from COVID-19, pre-departure testing is now extended to all travellers except from Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific islands.

Cook Islanders to resume travel to New Zealand

Travellers from the Cook Islands can resume quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from 21 January, enabling access to essential services such as health.

Border exception for some returning international tertiary students

An exception class for 1000 international tertiary students who began their study in New Zealand but were caught offshore when borders closed has been approved.

Additional actions to keep COVID-19 out of NZ

The Government is putting in place a suite of additional actions to protect New Zealand from COVID-19, including new emerging variants.

COVID-19 media conference — 3 January 2021

Watch the COVID-19 media conference with government officials and ministers.

Pre-departure COVID-19 test for travellers from the UK and US from 15 January

Travellers from the United Kingdom and the United States bound for New Zealand will be required to show a negative test result for COVID-19 before departing.

Additional COVID-19 tests for returnees from higher risk countries

An additional test for COVID-19 will be required for returnees from higher risk countries on their arrival in New Zealand from midnight 31 December 2020.