New Zealand

A shorter work week to encourage travel? Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it's an idea worth considering as the island nation emerges from its coronavirus lockdown.

The country is reopening thousands of shops after three days of no new coronavirus cases. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand has won the "battle" against the disease.

"There is no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand. We have won that battle," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday as the country eased COVID-19 restrictions.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has applied her trademark empathy in rallying her country to not just flatten the coronavirus curve — but crush it.

A four-week lockdown will not keep the Easter Bunny from going about its mysterious business, the prime minister says, responding to rampant speculation by New Zealand's youngest citizens.

Both travel bans will be implemented before the weekend. With few exceptions, all but citizens and residents of the two countries will be turned away at their respective borders.

Monday's devastating eruption killed at least 15 people, many of them tourists visiting White Island. Authorities are trying to recover bodies, even under the threat of another eruption.

Specialists went to the volcanic island Friday morning local time in a dangerous operation, as scientists warned of a roughly even likelihood of a fresh eruption. Eight people were killed Monday.

Officials have ordered cadaver skin for injured tourists following Monday's deadly eruption on White Island. Health officials reported some patients received burns on at least 30% of their bodies.

At least six people are dead and others badly injured or missing, after an event Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called "devastating." Now, some are wondering why tourists were there in the first place.