Coronavirus: New Zealand has 80 new confirmed cases of COVID-19

Today New Zealand has 80 new cases of Covid-19 in the community, reports the Ministry of Health.

Of today's new cases, 51 are in Auckland, 21 are in Waikato, seven are in Bay of Plenty and one is in Lakes.

The total number of cases in this outbreak is now 9,890 (6,863 are active).

There are 62 people in hospital, including four patients in intensive care.

To date, 94% of New Zealanders have had their first dose and 89% are fully vaccinated.

New Zealand is now in the new traffic light system, with Auckland, Northland, Taupō and Rotorua Lakes Districts, Kawerau, Whakatane, Ōpōtiki Districts, Gisborne District, Wairoa District, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts at red.

The rest of the North Island and the whole of the South Island is at orange.

All red regions - except Northland - will move to orange at 11.59pm on Thursday 30 December.

New Zealand has had 12,698 confirmed cases since the pandemic began last year and 45 deaths.