Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are all offline in a global outage.

The popular social media apps all went down at about 4.45am (NZT), with both Facebook and Instagram using rival platform Twitter to acknowledge the problem, saying they are working to get things back to normal.

San Francisco correspondent Ira Spitzer spoke to Corin Dann.

Covid-19 modeller Shaun Hendy believes the latest announcement carries no obvious down-side.

The modest - some might say hazy - easing of some restrictions do not carry any 'super-high risk' of creating significant Covid-19 outbreaks, he says.

Nevertheless, he's still picking an increase in cases, probably until a high rate of vaccine coverage is achieved.

He spoke to Corin Dann.

Its a government famed for its communication skills, but yesterday's three step plan to ease lockdown restrictions has left many scratching their heads.

Step one includes allowing two households to meet up outdoors with a maximum of 10 people and allowing travel anywhere in the Auckland region for exercise or outdoors activities.

But there's no set date for when step two and three - which allow more businesses and public facilities to open up - will kick in.

Here's reporter Jean Bell.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says mandating Covid-19 vaccinations is unlikely, but vaccine certificates are likely to be introduced in the near future. Certificates would permit people to attend events, venues, and other activities to show they are vaccinated. Robertson told Morning Report making any type of vaccination across the population would be challengeable. "What we are [doing], and what you'll hear more from the Prime Minister about today, is the approach that we're going to take around what vaccines can enable you to do. "The use of vaccine certificates is going to be an important part of how we move forward from here. But mandating vaccinations is not something New Zealand's done and I think it's a step that many New Zealanders would find very, very difficult, but there will be situations where being vaccinated is the key to you being able to live a relatively normal life. That will be a great incentive." He denied that the Government was changing its Covid-19 strategy. "What this is about, is the beginning of a transition to a place where vaccinations keep New Zealanders safe. But we've got to be really clear, this is still a cautious and methodical approach." Robertson said the changes were a continuation of a strategy that supports public health objectives.

Nervous doctors and nurses are bracing for Covid-19 case numbers to rise under Auckland's eased restrictions. While the city is staying at level 3, from midnight two households can now meet up - as long as it is outside and there are no more than ten people. The government has given loose plans for the city to open up as time goes by. But some frontline workers are warning this could spread Covid-19 deeper into Auckland communities. Health correspondent Rowan Quinn reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

From midnight tonight Aucklanders can catch up outdoors with friends and family - but with no more than two households and 10 people mingling at a time.

They can also travel in the region for exercise or recreation, and early learning centres can reopen.

That's step one in a three step plan, with the timing on further easing of rules to be announced next week.

Kim Hill spoke to Auckland's Mayor Phil Goff.

Political parties have roasted the government's plan to ease restrictions Auckland, saying it creates confusion and puts vulnerable people at risk.

They also want the Government to admit it's given up on its elimination strategy.

Political reporter Katie Scotcher.

An update from RNZ's sports team.

News from the rural and farming sector.