Prognosis

Covid Reality Arrives for Kiwis as ‘Fortress New Zealand’ Falls

Nation experiences exploding case numbers for the first time
Economy faces bumpy ride as people work from home, isolate

A healthcare worker hands out Rapid Antigen Tests in Auckland on Feb. 24. — A healthcare worker hands out Rapid Antigen Tests in Auckland on Feb. 24.Photographer: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Take our Survey

By Matthew Brockett

March 6, 2022 at 4:00 PM UTC

Updated on

March 7, 2022 at 7:04 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Sign up here for our daily coronavirus newsletter on what you need to know

Two years after the pandemic began, New Zealanders are finally facing its reality.