The Government has announced a suite of changes to bolster New Zealand's defences against the Omicron variant of Covid-19 - including pushing out changes to border rules until the end of February.

The changes just announced by Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins include:

• The interval between the second dose and the booster shot reduced from 6 months to 4 months

• Over 82 per cent of vaccinated New Zealanders eligible for a booster by end of Feb 2022

• Eligible border and health workers required to get booster dose

• Pre-departure test requirement to enter NZ reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours before travel

• Phased border re-opening pushed out to the end of February

• Temporary change to MIQ – length of stay increased to 10 days for all travellers, with no self-isolation component

• Everyone on an international flight with a positive case to be treated as a close contact

• All countries removed from Very High-Risk country list

• Roll out of paediatric doses of Pfizer for 5-11s. Rollout to start from 17 January prior to school returning in 2022

• Cabinet confirms use of traffic light system to manage outbreak and in the event of Omicron outbreaks areas will move into the red traffic light setting