I wish to make a Ministerial Statement under standing order 348 in relation to the global influenza situation and responses here in New Zealand.

Mr Speaker, as has been said, this is a time for concern and caution -- not alarm.

On Saturday morning, Air NZ flight NZ 1 arrived in Auckland from Los Angeles at 5am. On board was a school group from Rangitoto College travelling home from a trip to Mexico.

Several of these students had flu symptoms. Their teacher insisted they see their GPs. Just a few hours later, at 12.30 pm, one of those GPs contacted Auckland Regional Public Health Services.

The Auckland public health response centre was activated by 3pm and by 6pm a team of nurses had been assembled, equipped and were out assessing the Rangitoto group. All were treated with tamiflu and isolated with their families by ten o’clock that night.

The Ministry of Health activated its coordination centre that same day in accord with the emergency pandemic action plan.

On Sunday night testing revealed that the 10 of the Rangitoto group had influenza A. Swine flu is a subset of influenza A. Because of their recent travel to Mexico and a greater sense of caution, Ministry officials decided that they should be treated as “probable” cases of Swine flu.

Our health services’ response was rapid, thorough and appropriate for the level of risk apparent at the time.

The work of the past four years preparing for a situation such as this needs to be acknowledged.

It is important to be clear there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in NZ but I am advised that at this point health authorities are operating as though there is.

The Rangitoto College samples are now being tested for H1N1 Swine Flu at the World Health Organisation’s Laboratory in Melbourne.

To date, the Rangitoto group flu symptoms have been mild and all ten are on the road to recovery. This is consistent with the pattern experienced so far in other countries outside of Mexico.

Public Health Officials tell me they have contact traced almost all the passengers on NZ 1 who disembarked in Auckland. They have all been medically assessed, offered tamiflu as a precaution and asked to stay at home.

Three students from Northcote College with flu-like symptoms who also visited Mexico and returned home later that Saturday morning have tested negative for influenza A. Public Health Officials were able to tell them and their families last night that they are no longer at risk.

Since Sunday night, there are doctors and nurses at Auckland International Airport meeting all international flights arriving from North America and passengers are being assessed.

I am advised that as a result of the increasing international spread of swine flu, the Ministry of Health has asked that a statement providing information and advice on swine flu should be read on all incoming flights into New Zealand. In addition the Ministry has requested a Travel Health Notice is given to all incoming passengers on arrival.

Regional Public Health Services around the country are supporting this effort. At last count in addition to the Rangitoto 10, 56 people are being monitored around New Zealand. These suspected cases are being tested to see if they too have influenza A.

The key public health message is this: People who’ve been in Mexico or the United States in the past fortnight and have flu-like symptoms should contact their GP or a health professional.

The Ministry of Health says that if you have flu-like symptoms and you have not been in Mexico or the United States in the past fortnight then you should treat any flu symptoms as normal seasonal influenza. Do what you normally do.

I have been advised in the past few minutes that later today MFAT is upgrading its travel advisory to suggest that people defer non-essential travel to Mexico.

Mr Speaker, the existing health measures are fully justified. Officials are ready for any escalation in the domestic or international swine flu situation.

As this rapidly changing situation evolves, updates are being issued and press briefings are being held.

Mr Speaker, this is a matter that the Government and officials are treating with the utmost caution and concern. This is a threat that New Zealand has planned for. Many of the best people in the health service are working night and day to protect the health of New Zealanders.

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