Warning that "past the peak does not equal out of the woods" with Omicron.

Gerry Te Kare was overdue for triple bypass surgery when he died.

The delays likely meant Covid-positive Kiwis went without clinical and welfare support.

Changes ahead as vaccine mandates in many industries are set to expire on April 4.

March 25 2022 There are 15,871 new community Covid cases today and 13 new deaths. As rules relax from tonight, new figures show there are 899 people in hospital, with 27 of them in intensive care.

The number of deaths linked to the virus has climbed steadily since Omicron arrived.

Many vaccination mandates will be removed next month.

Some are concerned by easing of restrictions, particularly for the health system.

Hospitals nationally are resorting to cash rewards to get staff to pick up night shifts.

March 22 2022 Health Minister Andrew Little has launched a major recruitment drive for mental health nurses as the Government faces increasing scrutiny in the sector.

March 21 2022 PM Jacinda Ardern has announced a further $5 million in assistance to Ukraine to help it during the invasion from Russia. Ardern confirmed that Cabinet has signed off on decisions on vaccine mandates, certificates and the traffic light system.

March 20 2022 The number of new daily cases of Covid-19 has dipped sharply - but officials have reported another nine deaths. There are 12,020 new community cases to report today.

The total number of publicly reported Covid related deaths has now reached 175.

Half of those who will be infected with Covid-19 are yet to catch it, warns top expert.

More than 370 people living in aged care homes currently have Covid-19.

But artist says: 'A mass narrative must always be questioned and debated.'

March 19 2022 Ten more people have died and there are 18,514 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today.

This takes the death toll of publicly reported Covid-related deaths to 166.

One DHB has reported 2172 new cases in the region today.

The five deaths reported today were in Auckland, Waikato, Hutt Valley and Canterbury.

Yesterday Samoa recorded its first case of community transmitted Covid-19.

Attorney-General David Parker says Omicron outbreak had not overwhelmed the health system.

Covid-related deaths have been increasing with the Omicron outbreak.

Auckland's hospital staff are coming under increasing pressure, the Herald has revealed.

Kenepuru Community Hospital has 21 per cent of staff off work due to Covid-19.

March 17 2022 There are 19,566 new community cases of Covid-19 and 930 people in hospital, including 23 in intensive care. Ten Covid-related deaths were announced today.

March 17 2022 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says mandates and vaccine passes are unlikely to be used as widely as before and Cabinet will review traffic light settings next week.

Yesterday, 19,452 community cases, 971 hospitalisations and 24 deaths were reported.

'We are so short staffed in every department that management are working on the floor.'

March 16 2022 Vaccinated Australians will be able to come to New Zealand without isolating from 11.59pm on April 12. Fully vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries will be able to enter the country from 11.59pm on May 2.