Former travel managers, bar staff, event crew, and lighting technicians are among the dozens of staff who have started jobs stacking shelves at a new Countdown supermarket. 

The Auckland store is New Zealand's first online-only supermarket and will be able to fill up to 15,000 orders a week when it reaches capacity. 

It has created more than 100 new jobs - many of those have been filled by people whose worlds have been turned upside down in recent weeks from the Covid-19 fallout. 

On Thursday, Checkpoint cameraman Nick Monro and reporter Nita Blake-Persen went to meet some of them. view all

 
 
 
 

Regional health services are working harder than ever to look after vulnerable communities during the Level 4 lockdown. 

One of those is Hora Te Pai Māori health services in Kāpiti, who - aside from offering their usual medical services - is also giving out food to people who have lost their income or are struggling with the lockdown. 

This comes as the seriousness of Covid-19 hits home for the region, with confirmation this week a 70-year-old Kāpiti man died due to the disease. 

Hora Te Pai invited Checkpoint reporter Logan Church and cameraman Dom Thomas to see how they and their community are coping. view all

 

 
Covid-19 lockdown week three down and it is time to check in with two bubbles keeping video diaries for Checkpoint during the lockdown. 

The diaries come from the Oliver family of Pukekohe, including four children, and 73-year-old Tricia who specifically moved in with her son and his partner for the lockdown, making it a snug bubble of three near Wellington view all

 

 
Under Covid-19 alert level 3 rules students up to Year 10 can return to classrooms if they want to.

The Prime Minister says more people will be allowed to go back to work under level 3 and children under the age of 14 cannot legally be left home alone. 

But teachers and students will still have to keep their social distance. 

Auckland Grammar headmaster Tim O'Connor has criticised the government's decision to reopen schools up to Year 10 under Alert Level Three. 

"I've got no idea how it's going to work...  It is from my mindset one of the most irresponsible decisions for New Zealand education in my time," he told Checkpoint. view all

 

 
 
Lockdown has sent many New Zealanders diving into the back of the pantry to whip up a meal from what can be found. 

Checkpoint has been swamped with queries about how long a can of peaches or beans will last, and if it is safe to eat something that does not have an expiration date on it.

Steve Thompson is the boss of Wattie's Food Safety and Quality. He revealed some secrets about the codes on the cans. view all

 

 
Kia ora koutou, tonight: The nationwide Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand continues.
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Education Minister concedes a decision to partially reopen schools at alert level 3 is as a much about childcare as education, and the preference is that students stay away.

It follows a vocal backlash from teachers and principals who say the decision to partially reopen schools is irresponsible and will be a complete shambles.

At level 3, early childhood centres and schools would open for students up to year 10, but attendance will be voluntary.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins talks through the details with Lisa Owen. view all

 

 
 
New Zealand has reported its lowest daily number of new Covid-19 cases since it went into lockdown - with the total climbing by just eight.

It brings the national total to 1,409 - of which nearly 60 percent have recovered. 

The encouraging development though comes with more sobering news - the death toll has climbed by two to reach 11. 

RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has the story. view all

 

 
 
With schools closed until the country moves from alert level four lockdown to level three, many kids around New Zealand have been missing their friends.

But one West Auckland father has used his kiwi ingenuity to keep his 10-year old daughter connected to her two best friends, who happen to live right next door.

Indira Stewart and video editor Simon Rogers have the story. view all

 

 
News from the business sector, including a market report.

 
 

 
 
At least 400 people lined up outside a Christchurch supermarket on Friday to get tested for Covid-19 - part of a targeted network of testing stations set up in New Zealand. 

In addition to Christchurch, the Ministry of Health has so far set up stations in five Waikato locations, and one in Queenstown. 

Many of those who lined up say while it was a long wait and a rather uncomfortable swab up the nose, it was all worth it for their health. 

RNZ Christchurch reporter Anan Zaki and cameraman Nathan McKinnon went to talk to those getting tested. view all

 

 
 
 
 
Living in the Jenkins household at Ōhope beach is like living in the land of the giants. 

Those are the words of Mark Jenkins whose three sons - all rowing champions - had to rush home from their universities in the US when Covid-19 panic hit. 

And the travel dramas didn't stop there - parents Mark and Mia were mid-flight as the global crisis unfolded. 

Now they are all home they have settled into a routine that involves a lot of eating, study and exercise.

Sharon Brettkelly reports. view all

 

 
 
How much has our life changed in 50 days? That's how long New Zealand has been living with Covid-19. 

Since our first confirmed case at the end of February, we've seen a rush on supermarkets, the stockpiling of hand sanitiser, cleaning products and toilet paper, our borders closed, airlines have stopped carrying passengers, an unprecedented economic bailout package and a four-week nationwide lockdown. 

As of April 17 we have 1,409 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 11 deaths. We've learned to live life the best we can in our bubbles. 

Lydia Batham takes a look back at the past 50 days. view all

 

 
 
Kia ora koutou, tonight: The nationwide Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand continues. view all

 

 
Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield has confirmed nine new cases of Covid-19, bringing the national total to 1431. In addition, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said Cabinet will tomorrow make a decision on whether or not to lift the strict level 4 lockdown measures. view all

 

 
 
Whether you are visiting New Zealand for a working holiday, camper-van road trip, to study at Auckland University or you are travelling on a short business stay- this video walks the Auckland city area starting at Queen Street downtown -past the shops Gucci, Prada & Louis Vuitton - up to Fort Street and down the hidden lanes of Fort Lane and Imperial Lane and through the popular hidden eatery Snickel Lane- over Shortland Street up High Street to Freyburg Place and down along our favourite -Vulcan Lane with its boutique cafes and shops. Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 

 
Visiting New Zealand -This video walks the Auckland city area starting at Viaduct Harbour past the moored Yachts and Cafes in Viaduct Central- along Te Wero Island over Wynyard Bridge to Emirates Team New Zealand Base for the 36th America's Cup defence 2021. The tour continues with a stroll past the North Wharf Cafes- through Silo park and ending at the famous Auckland Fish Market. Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

Visiting New Zealand for a working holiday, camper-van road trip, to study at Auckland University or you are travelling on a short business stay- this video takes the Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island - a popular day or weekend trip from the downtown Auckland city Ferry Terminal.
Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max.
 
 
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This video gives a quick overview on how to operate the Segway Ninebot ES4 scooter. Unfold and fold - Lights on & off -Various power modes showing Sport mode - Standard mode & Speed limit mode. Everything you need to get scooting quickly. Enjoy the Ride ! view all

 

 
 
This video E-Scooters Auckland City starting at the Lightpath -Te Ara I Whiti -down the Nelson St Cycleway to Viaduct & Quay St.  The journey from Queens Wharf to Mission Bay follows Quay Street  to Tamaki Drive past Mechanics Bay and under the Footbridge to Parnell Baths (salt water).  Activities to enjoy along the way can include a paddle to Rangitoto Island from  Ferg's Kayaks or visit 
Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium at Okahu Bay.  We end at Mission Bay for ice cream under the pohutakawa tree with views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 

 
 
Arrive at Historic Devonport on the Fullers Ferry from Downtown Auckland.  Did you know that the historic Victoria Theatre that was built in 1912 is New Zealand's oldest operating purpose built theatre?
This video walks around the shops and along the waterfront of the picturesque village of Devonport.    Enjoy the many cafes and bakeries that Devonport has to offer then relax on the beach or playground before heading off to explore the history of Maungauika / North Head's tunnels and secret defences.  
Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 
 
 

 
 
Explore the history of Maungauika / North Head's tunnels and secret defences.  Arrive at Historic Devonport on the Fullers Ferry from Downtown Auckland and follow King Edward Parade on an easy walk 2kms along the waterfront to North Head - the headland of the Waitemata Harbour.   
Explore the interlinking tunnels and spooky caves while reading about the military history and taking in the spectacular views of Auckland.
End the tour with a walk down to Cheltenham beach where you can enjoy a swim with the picturesque Rangitoto Island as your backdrop.  Open from 6am.
Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 

 
 
Cycle from Downtown Auckland to Mission Bay with Adventure Capital bike tours. 
I had the pleasure of jumping on a bike and joining a tour through the Viaduct along to Queens Wharf and then onto Mission Bay.  This is a quick tease of the tour - full length video also uploaded  :-)
Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 

 
 
I recently jumped on a cycle tour from Downtown Auckland to Mission Bay with Adventure Capital bike tours.  The tour starts from their HQ on the Nelson St Cycleway through the Viaduct and past Team New Zealand Americas Cup base.  The ride from Queens Wharf to Mission Bay follows Quay Street to Tamaki Drive with stops at Judges and Okahu Bay.  We stop at Mission Bay for ice cream under the pohutakawa trees then cycle to Bastion Point lookout to take in the stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf.  A great 3-4 hour tour with insightful commentary from their guides - well recommended!
 
For contact info for Adventure Capital;
Jacqui Wilkinson - Adventure Capital
Camp, Hike, Bike Adventures Throughout NZ
www.adventurecapital.nz

Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 

 
Explore the seaside town of Mangonui with its world famous Fish & Chips on the wharf- then walk the safe swimming beach of Coopers Beach and onto Historic Cable Bay and the hidden secret -Chucks Cove. A favourite easy walk is Taumarumaru Reserve- This reserve is accessible off the coastal highway – that is State Highway 10 – and the Department of Conservation provides a nice large, free car-park for you to use. Coopers Beach is accessible from a track at the beginning of the walk – so why not combine your hike with a swim. It’s the safest beach in the area for swimming and great for children as the gradient of the sand slopes gently providing plenty of shallow water for your little ones. view all

 
 
 

 
 
Auckland Lockdown Week 1. Keeping the 2 metre social distancing we walk from Victoria Park along Westhaven Drive scenic walkways to the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The walk proceeds to the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron along the Westhaven Marina and ends back at Victoria Park. The walk takes place from 230- 430pm - the motorways are eerily quiet with only goods tracks and the occasional car encountered. Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 

 
 
Auckland Lockdown Week 2.  We walk along Quay street past the construction underway for the Quay streetscape redevelopment - along to the Ferry building and Pier 1 terminal.  We continue past the construction of the Britomart train and underground rail station before crossing onto Queen Street where we walk up to the Shortland street intersection.  The walk takes place from 230- 4pm - the streets are eerily quiet with only an occasional bus and car encountered.  All construction has stopped for the period of the Auckland's lockdown.  In the video I have included a few finished concept images from the AT (Auckland Transport) various webpages.
Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 

 
 
Auckland Lockdown Week 3 - This video walks the Auckland city Viaduct Harbour area starting at Silo Park playground, past the moored Yachts and empty North Wharf Cafes in Viaduct Central to Emirates Team New Zealand Base for the 36th America's Cup defence 2021. We stopped at the bridge to Te Wero Island which was closed for the lockdown. The tour continues along the Viaduct basin and Customs St West with the eerily empty bars and restaurants at 2pm on a Friday afternoon. Filmed on the new iphone 11 pro max. view all

 

 
Take a video walk of Queens Wharf - Auckland city. Starting at Pier 1 Ferry Building on Quay Street we walk past Shed 10 and the Cruse Ship Terminal. Past the Cloud Events Pavilion is the Michael Parekowhai Lighthouse -part of Auckland Council’s Public Art Collection.  Inside its neon lights  represent the constellations which surround a polished stainless steel sculpture of Captain James Cook.  We continue the walk past Shed 10 and the early Auckland photoscape of the history of the wharfs and waterfront.  We end with one of the cruise ships leaving as it sails past Rangitoto Island  viewed from Cheltenham beach. view all

 

 
哈喽，大家好！我是黑米，首先还是祝大家圣诞快乐和新年快乐哈哈哈哈！新的一年有新的气象，大家都过的怎么样呢？！这视频我要承认我是早就做好没有发出来的。最近放假手上压了一堆视频，但是我会赶紧快安排上发出去的，新的一年，争取做个高产的Youtuber！ view all