A Government WhatsApp channel is now live to help make information more easily accessible and shareable in the fight against COVID 19.
The channel, 'Govt.NZ', is free to use on any mobile device and will carry information and news for the public.
At her daily press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the channel will provide the latest information on COVID-19 cases, symptoms, financial support, and mental health advice.
Ardern told reporters WhatsApp is a function many New Zealanders already have on their phones.
She said it will give Kiwis the latest information directly on their devices.
"Once we have people using that function - there will be additional functionality and in the future may be able to help us as we continue our ongoing fight against COVID-19."
At Thursday's press conference, Ardern also announced the Government's plan to fly tens of thousands of stranded foreign nationals home.
Foreign governments will be allowed to organise charter flights to repatriate their citizens - the first charter flight could leave as early as Friday night.
