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March 19, 2026
#hauora: Survey suggests more than 400,000 Kiwis may have experienced long COVID
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 19, 2026
A new survey is highlighting the growing scale of long COVID in Aotearoa, with estimates suggesting more than 400,000 New Zealanders may have experienced the condition since the pandemic began.
The findings, released by Long Covid Support Aotearoa, indicate that by mid-2025 a significant portion of the adult population had developed ongoing symptoms following a COVID-19 infection, with around 185,000 people still living with those symptoms.
Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial infection has passed. These can include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and other ongoing health issues that affect daily life and the ability to work.
The survey adds to a growing body of evidence pointing to the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, with national health data showing about one in eleven adults in Aotearoa report having experienced long COVID symptoms at some point.
Health advocates say the scale of the issue is still not fully understood, with concerns that long COVID remains under-recognised in both policy and healthcare planning. There are also ongoing calls for better tracking of cases and more coordinated support for those living with the condition.
The data shows Māori, women, and disabled people are more likely to report long COVID symptoms, raising further concerns about existing health inequities being compounded by the pandemic.
Advocates argue that without targeted support and investment, long COVID could place sustained pressure on the health system, workforce, and wider economy. Many people affected report needing ongoing medical care and support services, while others face reduced capacity to work or participate in everyday activities.
The findings come as Aotearoa continues to adapt to the long-term impacts of COVID-19, with experts warning that repeated infections and ongoing transmission mean the burden of long COVID is likely to remain a significant public health challenge.
There are renewed calls for a national strategy that recognises long COVID as a serious and ongoing issue, ensuring those affected receive appropriate care and support while improving understanding of the condition across the health system.
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