Covid-19: One new MIQ case, remaining close contacts of community case all negative
Torika Tokalau
There is one new case of Covid-19 in managed isolation, a week after the most recent community outbreak was announced in Auckland.
The new case arrived in New Zealand from Singapore on February 16 and tested positive after their routine day 3 test. One previously reported case has been reclassified as under investigation, meaning the number of active cases remains at 51.
The Ministry of Health also confirmed all close contacts associated with the Auckland family of three at the centre of the latest community outbreak had returned negative tests.
These include those linked to the school and travel group to New Plymouth.
The last cases detected in the community were on Friday, taking the total linked to the cluster involving a daughter, mother and father, to seven.
Papatoetoe High School
As at 8am on Sunday, a total of 31 close contacts and 1,413 casual plus contacts had been identified at Papatoetoe High School.
Twenty five health professionals were the first in the country to be vaccinated on Friday, before they administered the vaccines.
The number of casual plus contacts has again decreased due to some people not being at school at the time of exposure, the ministry said.
Of the casual plus contacts, that include the wider student and staff school population, 1,395 have returned negative results, with one positive (Case E, who is a classmate of the original case), and 17 results still to come in.
One negative result, reported on Saturday has been removed from the tally as that person is no longer considered a casual plus contact.
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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80.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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