The Ministry of Health has confirmed that there are 23 new community cases of Covid-19. Video / NZ Herald

All you need to know about the new mask-wearing protocol as Omicron cases increase and the country settles into the orange setting of the traffic light system. Video / NZ Herald

January 26 2022 The Government has released its three-phased approach in how it will tackle the Omicon variant spreading through the community.

MetService National weather: January 26th - 28th.

The Pukekohe Indian Community Centre is the second Auckland wedding to be hit by an Omicron exposure, sparking fresh fears of a long list of close contacts that will require testing and isolation. Video / Jed Bradley

Grant Robertson clashes with Heather du Plessis-Allan over RAT 'ban'. Video / Newstalk ZB

New mask mandates, schools prepare for teaching under red and Russia massing troops on the Ukraine border in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

January 25 2022 PM Jacinda Ardern said Cabinet has decided to update mask mandates as Omicron cases in the community increase. Masks must now be worn at businesses which serve food and drink, the PM said.

There are 10 new Omicron cases to report today. Video / NZ Herald

Kiwis stay welcome in the Cook Islands, Australia offers testing advice and Upper Hutt fire under control in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

There are eight new cases of Omicron to report today. Video / NZ Herald

Videos circulating on social media show homeless people in Auckland being taunted. Video / Supplied

Supermarket shelves have been stripped empty in many supermarkets across the country following Sunday's announcement. Video / NZ Herald

As the hunt to find the source of a community outbreak of the Covid Omicron variant continues, authorities say there could be "tens of thousands" of community daily cases in a few weeks. Video / NZ Herald

New Zealand back in red, calls grow for a health workforce emergency and the new routine police are instilling as facing firearms callouts rise in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

A plane takes off from a make-shift airstrip, beside the existing strip which is the focus of the legal action. Video / Supplied

January 23 2022 PM Jacinda Ardern today announced a three-stage plan to combat Omicron - with further details to be revealed on Wednesday.

National Party leader Chris Luxon says rest homes, retirement villages and at-risk communities must be flooded with boosters if New Zealand is to withstand Omicron.

Over 8000 participants have started their runs in the Auckland Marathon as the event celebrates its 30th year.

A bush fire in Upper Hutt that was thought to be under control yesterday afternoon flared up again overnight. Video / David Nicholas / @ichaber via Twitter / Chris Mills

It’s time to think about lunchboxes, homework and after-school activities again. Video / NZ Herald

A large blaze near a wastewater treatment plant in Taupo prompted evacuations and a large emergency services response. Video / @ANRKE_17 via Twitter / Paula Pardoe / Bailey Nichol / Underground Taupo

Police report reckless driving at gang-related tangi on North Shore. Video / Brett Phibbs

Once Omicron transmission is detected in the community, all of NZ will move to the red setting of the traffic light system. Video / NZ Herald

Auckland restaurateur Krishna Botica and Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck say they and other business owners are on edge for the return of the red traffic light. Video / NZ Herald

Omicron is the new variant of Covid-19, first detected in South Africa in November 2021. Video / NZ Herald

Government confirms plan for Omicron, Nicotine free cigarettes the future? And real-life Aquaman in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

Fire crews are battling a well-involved house fire in Azalea Place, Wiri, Auckland. Video / Supplied