Health system under pressure from significant flu outbreak

Friday 21 August 2026 · 5 outlets · 3 reports · updated Fri 21 Aug, 7:12pm

In this story Dale Bramley

New Zealand's health system is facing pressure from a major flu outbreak, with national infection rates at a four-year high. Auckland has seen a 10-year high in flu-related hospitalisations, and experts suggest the surge could worsen over the next few weeks.

How they headlined it

7h

11:44am6:45pm

1. Waikato Times via RNZFri 21 Aug, 11:44am

   Entire health system under pressure from biggest flu outbreak in years - health boss (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)

2. 1News via RNZFri 21 Aug, 6:45pm

   Biggest flu outbreak in 10 years: Entire health system under pressure (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldFri 21 Aug, 7:12pm

   New Zealand flu surge could worsen for two to three weeks, expert warns (opens in new tab)