The Government is launching an urgent immunisation programme to fight meningococcal disease in Northland, after increasing problems with a new deadly strain, MenW. There's been seven nationwide MenW-related deaths this year, with three in Northland. The number of MenW cases jumped from five in 2016 to 29 this year. Health Minister David Clark says clinical experts have declared MenW has reached outbreak levels in Northland, and an immunisation programme is urgently needed to prevent further spread of the disease.
And, the tough lending rules that set deposit levels for home buyers could be relaxed this week in response to a flattening property market, although economists warn the Reserve Bank will move cautiously and keep a close eye on debt.