Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tests positive for Covid-19
She has been in isolation since Sunday, May 8, after her partner Clarke Gayford tested positive.
"The Prime Minister has been symptomatic since Friday evening, returning a weak positive last night and a clear positive this morning on a RAT test. At this stage her symptoms are moderate," the Prime Minister's Office said in a media release.
"As a result the Prime Minister will be required to isolate until the morning of Saturday 21 May. She will not be in Parliament this week for the release of the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan this coming Monday or for the Budget on Thursday. Travel arrangements for her trade mission to the United States are unaffected at this stage.
"The Prime Minister will undertake what duties she can remotely this week, but Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson will take the post-cabinet press conference on Monday 16 May."
Ardern said: “This is a milestone week for the Government and I’m gutted I can’t be there for it."
“Our emissions reduction plan set’s the path to achieve our carbon zero goal and the budget addresses the long-term future and security of New Zealand’s health system.
“But as I said earlier in the week isolating with Covid-19 is a very Kiwi experience this year and my family is no different."
The Prime Minister said in an Instagram post with a positive RAT that "despite best efforts, unfortunately I’ve joined the rest of my family and have tested positive for Covid-19".
"We’ve been isolating since Sunday when Clarke first tested positive. Neve tested positive on Wednesday and I returned a weak positive last night and a strong one this morning. There are so many important things happening for the Government this week - the release of our Emissions Reduction Plan on Monday and the Budget on Thursday. I’m gutted to miss being there in person, but will be staying in close touch with the team and sharing some reckons from here," she said.
"To anyone else out there, isolating or dealing with Covid, I hope you take good care of yourselves!"
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Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Want a Cosier Christmas Night? Neighbours, Read This
Hey neighbours,
Quick question - have you given your bedroom a little Christmas love yet?
If not, you’re going to love this! We’ve put together some easy, feel-good DIY ideas to help turn your bedroom into a cozy Christmas retreat - think festive bedding, twinkling lights, handmade pillows, and warm holiday scents. Simple touches, big Christmas vibes.
Get inspired here:
beds4u.co.nz...
And while you’re getting into the Christmas spirit, our Boxing Day sale is still ON - a great excuse to upgrade your bed and enjoy better sleep heading into the new year.
Find your nearest Beds4U store:
beds4u.co.nz...
Or browse all Boxing Day deals:
beds4u.co.nz...
Don’t wait, neighbours - cozy nights and great deals don’t stick around for long!
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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40.5% Yes
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34.4% Maybe?
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25.1% No
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