Coronavirus: New Zealand has 56 confirmed new cases of COVID-19

Today New Zealand has 56 new cases of Covid-19 in the community, reports the Ministry of Health.

Of today's new cases, 42 are in Auckland, four are in Waikato, two are in Lakes, one is in Taranaki, six are in Bay of Plenty and one is in Tairāwhiti.

The total number of cases in this outbreak is now 10,432.

There are 48 people in hospital, including seven patients in intensive care.

To date, 95% of New Zealanders have had their first dose and 91% are fully vaccinated.

New Zealand is now in the new traffic light system, with Auckland, Northland, Taupō and Rotorua Lakes Districts, Kawerau, Whakatane, Ōpōtiki Districts, Gisborne District, Wairoa District, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts at red.

The rest of the North Island and the whole of the South Island is at orange.

All red regions - except Northland - will move to orange at 11.59pm on Thursday 30 December.

New Zealand has had 13,278 confirmed cases since the pandemic began last year and 47 deaths.