New Zealand is about to move to alert level four in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will put the nation, in effect, on lockdown for four weeks. At least. Here’s what that means in practice. When does it start and what do I do? The lockdown starts at 11:59pm on Wednesday. From this point … Read more
The world, and our lives, are transforming before us, writes Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick, who has been self-isolated for over a week. As our collective fast-paced metabolism meets a slowing down of the world around us, it’s time to look after your mental health. In the blink of an eye, the world has changed. What … Read more
Mixing online and offline information, you can set up a network to keep in touch, and help those who need it. I’ve put together this how-to guide to help neighbours around Aotearoa quickly build the infrastructure to help the people who live on their street get virtually connected. This is just one way to do … Read more
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: We’re going to level four by Wednesday night, Robertson massively expands economic package, and political parties put country above politics. As you might be able to imagine, there’s a bit of news to get through this morning. The effective shutdown of the country (which for clarity, … Read more
For all The Spinoff’s latest coverage of Covid-19 see here. Read Siouxsie Wiles’s work here. New Zealand is currently in alert level three. As of 11.59pm on Wednesday we go to level four: the country shuts down, apart from essential services. For updated official government advice, see here. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded … Read more
Once again, New Zealanders are caught up in world events that will test our mettle. This time, the battles will be fought at home, writes Dame Anne Salmond. When I was a little girl, I knew that my Mum and Dad had lived through World War II, and the Depression. I grew up with wartime … Read more
For all The Spinoff’s latest coverage of Covid-19 see here. Read Siouxsie Wiles’s work here. An explainer on self-isolation is here, on social distancing here. For updated official government advice, see here. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by The Spinoff Members. To support this work, join The Spinoff Members here. 8.10pm: The day in sum Prime minister … Read more
Kevin Ward, an urgent primary care physician, is behind a petition urging the government to shift to the highest alert level. Danyl Mclauchlan spoke to him. On Saturday the prime minister revealed the nation’s four-level Covid-19 alert system. We’re currently on level two, which means, among other things, that people aged 70 and over should … Read more
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: How the new alert system will work, dozens of new cases announced over weekend, and a great idea from several Wellington hotels. How will day to day life change with the new alert system aimed at combating Covid-19? To put it bluntly, it will have to … Read more
For all The Spinoff’s latest coverage of Covid-19 see here. Read Siouxsie Wiles’s work here. An explainer on self-isolation is here, on social distancing here. For updated official government advice, see here. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by The Spinoff Members. To support this work, join The Spinoff Members here. Read live updates for Monday 23 March … Read more
Some thought the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes would be the end of Christchurch – they weren’t. For all its unique challenges, we have it in us to get through Covid-19, too, writes earthquake scientist Ursula Cochran. We can do this. Darfield 2010, Christchurch 2011, Seddon 2013, Kaikōura 2016. We have already had our lives turned … Read more
For all The Spinoff’s latest coverage of Covid-19 see here. Read Siouxsie Wiles’s work here. An explainer on self-isolation is here, on social distancing here. For updated official government advice, see here. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by The Spinoff Members. To support this work, join The Spinoff Members here. 7.30pm: The four alert levels Here’s a … Read more
An anti-malaria drug could be a possible treatment for Covid-19, alongside other existing medicines. Here’s what the experts think. Several pre-existing drugs are thought to hold potential in the treatment of virus Covid-19. While research is ongoing into new treatments and vaccines, if anything currently available is found to be effective it could be distributed … Read more
With Covid-19 wreaking havoc on New Zealand’s economy, shopping with local businesses has become more important than ever. Ryan Jennings from Buy New Zealand Made explains why that is and makes a couple of suggestions on where you can spend your dime. The government’s unveiling of a $12.1 billion Covid-19 relief package this week was … Read more
Kate Rassie, a New Zealand doctor living in Melbourne – but writing in her personal capacity – reflects on an unfathomable week. This piece was first published on March 20. 1 Highly specific items do remain on supermarket shelves. Even in a pandemic; no-one wants canned tater tots, canned mushrooms, large-sized squeezy bottles of pizza … Read more
We’ll get to the Top 10s in a minute but first a note on cleaning books, from Dr Siouxsie Wiles: “I’d say wiping covers is a good idea, and just making sure to wash your hands after you’ve been reading a book others have used is the way to go. Infection mainly requires repeated close … Read more
While the government’s massive financial assistance package will provide some relief, experts say NZ business owners still need to be proactive and calm – and make hard decisions sooner rather than later. Called “the most significant peace-time economic plan in modern New Zealand history” the government’s $12bn financial package announced this week will provide much-needed … Read more
The effects of Covid-19 on New Zealand music won’t be short-lived. Here’s how some members of the industry – both on stage and behind the scenes – are coping. On a plane to New York, musician Joe Locke is dry-retching. He’s having a panic attack. Soon he’ll be flying home to New Zealand, back to … Read more
That message you saw yesterday? It was written in Malaysia, and travelled via Australia. The first I heard of it was just after 8.15am yesterday, when a friend sent a concerned message wondering, “have you heard anything?” Through the morning four other friends sent it to me. It landed over and over again in the … Read more
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Border closed to all non-NZers with limited exceptions, facing the economic implications of that decision, and new rules on gatherings released. As of midnight last night, the border of New Zealand is closed to those who aren’t permanent residents or citizens, with very limited exceptions. In … Read more
For all The Spinoff’s latest coverage of Covid-19 see here. Read Siouxsie Wiles’s work here. An explainer on self-isolation is here, on social distancing here. For updated official government advice, see here. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by The Spinoff Members. To support this work, join The Spinoff Members here. 6.40pm: … Read more
We’re likely to see a big decrease in the amount of waste produced in New Zealand in the coming months, but the industry is facing a complex situation in responding to Covid-19. Alex Braae reports. While rubbish might not occupy the thoughts of many during a pandemic, plans are currently being made to keep the … Read more
Rolling updates on the Covid-19 outbreak for March 19 as they happen, by Spinoff writers. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here. See the latest updates for March 20 here. 6.30pm: Borders to close to foreign nationals Jacinda Ardern has just announced that … Read more
The Ministry of Education must clarify its support for voluntary withdrawal of children from early education and care. And to ensure immediate financial support for staff, businesses and community organisations, writes Dr Mike Bedford, a specialist in health and wellbeing in early childhood education. The Covid-19 event really has no precedent. We’ve never had a … Read more
Business is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand. This week he talks to business coach Zac De Silva from Business Changing and Nurture Change. Please note: This episode was recorded Tuesday … Read more
From hygiene and ventilation through to seizing the educational moment, there are some basic steps worth taking, writes Dr Mike Bedford, a specialist in health and wellbeing in early childhood education settings. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here. Hygiene – get the … Read more
Britain has changed course in the fight against Covid-19, after originally following an approach with significant scientific defects. Gary McLean, a New Zealand professor in molecular immunology and infectious diseases specialist at London Metropolitan University, explains. More than 200,000 people are now laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19, across 157 countries. Tragically, almost 9,000 people have succumbed … Read more
We can look to people with chronic health conditions for ideas on how to survive – and even thrive – in self-isolation at home, writes Louise Thornley. Lady Gaga told the world in 2017 that she suffers from fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. Affected by severe pain, fatigue, sleep problems and depression, her health has … Read more
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Suspected case of Covid-19 in Samoa, MFAT urges NZers overseas to come home, and aviation support package to be announced today. A suspected case of Covid-19 is currently being tested in Samoa, bringing to light concerns that the coronavirus could be devastating in the Pacific. Stuff reports … Read more