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Live: Eight new Omicron community cases across Auckland, Palmerston North, Nelson-Tasman, 19 recorded to date

Here's what you need to know.

36 minutes ago

Australia

Terence Kelly pleads guilty to abducting four-year-old Cleo Smith

Cleo Smith was missing for 18 days before being found by police.

39 minutes ago

Related video: Kim Kardashian called it quits with Kanye West after almost seven years of marriage.

Celebrity

'Don't cut me off': Kanye demands a percentage of money paparazzi makes off him

"Right now, it’s just really one-sided."

Winter Olympics

'Most incredible run we've ever seen': Kiwi Porteous snatches X-Games superpipe gold

The defending champion left his move until the last attempt of the competition at Aspen.

Related video: Thousands queued on January 17 for the first roll-out of the kids' vaccine.

'Completely unrelated': Canterbury DHB denies anti-vaxxers' claims child collapsed after COVID vaccine

A photo posted on social media shows a "kid down" outside a vaccination centre. Canterbury DHB says the rumour is false.

Related video: The Omicron variant is thought to be in both the North and South Islands.

Fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose makes people over 60 three times more resistant to serious illness - Israel

But while it increases antibodies to even higher levels, it "probably" won't completely fend off the Omicron variant.

Related video: The NZTA is being accused of treating cyclists and pedestrians as "a joke"

Auckland

Bus users furious at overcrowding as AT defends decision to run reduced timetable despite Omicron outbreak

Auckland Transport says distancing is not currently required on public transport in the red setting.

Hong Kong defends culling over 2200 hamsters after just 11 test positive for COVID-19

Leader Carrie Lam believes infections in the city have spread due to the outbreak among pets.

Watch: A monkey plays Pong using its mind.

Technology

'Absolute balls': Potential human trials of Musk's brain-chip bashed on social media

A monkey has already been taught how to play a video game with its brain.

For people wanting to prepare in case they need to self-isolate, NZ Nutrition CEO Sarah Hanrahan suggests buying frozen and canned veggies, and topping them up with fresh ones.

'Affordable way to up number of veggies': Groceries useful to have on hand during Omicron outbreak

But there's no need to stockpile.

Related video: Jacinda Ardern announces New Zealand will move to the red setting.

Explainer: The tell-tale signs of Omicron infection

Data shows fever and loss of smell are less prevalent.