The COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand was part of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The first case of the disease in New Zealand was reported on 28 February 2020. The country recorded over 2,274,370 cases. Over 3,000 people died as a result of the pandemic, with cases recorded in all twenty district health board (DHB) areas. The pandemic first peaked in early April 2020, with 89 new cases recorded per day and 929 active cases. Cases peaked again in October 2021 with 134 new cases reported on 22 October.
Two cruise ships—Celebrity Solstice and Azamara Journey—in Port Chalmers on 15 March
COVID-19 testing centre in Palmerston North
Oyster Cove, the venue of the Bluff wedding at Stirling Point
The prime minister of New Zealand is the head of government of New Zealand. The incumbent prime minister, Christopher Luxon, leader of the New Zealand National Party, took office on 27 November 2023.
Christopher Luxon reads the oath of allegiance, 27 November 2023
Pictured in 2017, the then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (foreground, left of centre) chairs her first meeting of Cabinet, wherein government policy is formulated.
Premier House in Wellington is the prime minister's residence.
Henry Sewell, regarded as New Zealand's first premier