The cases are believed connected to an outbreak that prompted a snap three-day lockdown of Auckland last week.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said up to 25 stations were closed at any one time in recent months as hotel quarantine commitments, border closures and enforcement of coronavirus restrictions strained resources.

Two boys, aged 11 and 12, have been charged with stealing offences after an alleged spree of robberies and assaults which also saw a nine-year-old boy arrested.

Employers say they’re unlikely to use a new hotline to report unemployed people who turn down jobs while critics say it’s open for abuse.

ASX-listed Oil Search has pledged to maintain a disciplined approach to spending and costs even as crude oil rallies to its highest prices in more than a year.