18923 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 26 May 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	18923 (2026)
Question asked:	10 May 2026
Member asking:	Debbie Ngarewa-Packer
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	20 May 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_18923_2026
Document guid:	b7812ff9-0f73-4f84-9ddd-b61b3ea9fa39

18923 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: What instructions, if any, has the Ministry issued to border officials regarding screening, monitoring, or follow-up for travelers arriving from St Helena, the Canary Islands, or other locations connected to the Hantavirus outbreak?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that since 5 May 2026, Health New Zealand has formally requested information from New Zealand Customs for the purposes of contact tracing. I am further advised that the Ministry of Health has provided two updates to the Border Executive Board on the hantavirus situation on the MV Hondius. Additionally, on 8 May 2026, Health New Zealand sent a Border Advisory to Border agencies and local public health services, which provided a summary of the situation.