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March 11, 2026
#hauora: Experts Warn Against Complacency as New COVID-19 Wave Spreads Across Aotearoa
Dale Husband
Posted On March 11, 2026
Download AudioHealth experts are warning New Zealanders not to become complacent as a new wave of COVID-19 spreads across the country, reminding the public that the virus remains highly infectious and continues to pose serious health risks.
Vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris says many people have begun treating COVID-19 as if it were no longer a significant threat, but the virus remains widespread and capable of causing long-term harm.
Petousis-Harris, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland, says a common misunderstanding is that repeated infections strengthen immunity. Instead, she says each new infection can increase the risk of ongoing health problems, including long COVID and other serious complications.
Health researchers say long COVID remains a major concern, with some people experiencing prolonged fatigue, breathing difficulties and neurological symptoms long after the initial infection has passed. The risk of these complications can rise with repeated infections, particularly for people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems.
A new vaccine is now available and is designed to better match the variants currently circulating in the community. While vaccination does not completely prevent infection, experts say it significantly reduces the chances of severe illness, hospitalisation and long-term complications.
However, Petousis-Harris says the protection provided by vaccines fades over time, making it important for people to stay up to date with recommended booster doses.
Public health officials say the latest rise in cases serves as a reminder that COVID-19 has not disappeared and continues to evolve. With winter approaching in the southern hemisphere, authorities are encouraging people to remain cautious, particularly in crowded indoor spaces and around vulnerable members of the community.
For Māori and Pasifika communities, which were disproportionately affected during earlier stages of the pandemic, health leaders say staying vigilant will remain important to protect whānau, kaumātua and those with existing health conditions.
As the new wave spreads, experts say the key message is clear: COVID-19 remains part of the public health landscape, and the tools developed during the pandemic—including vaccination and awareness – continue to play an important role in keeping communities safe.
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