COVID-19 activity in Auckland is rising again, with wastewater monitoring showing some of the highest virus levels recorded in the past six months.

Data tracking SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater across Auckland shows virus levels climbing sharply from December 2025, with several spikes through January and February 2026.

The most recent readings are among the highest seen in the six-month period, while reported case numbers are also trending upward.

The update comes as the Ministry of Health responds to the NZ Royal Commission COVID-19 Lessons Learned Final Report, which was presented to Parliament on Monday.

The Ministry is the Lead Response Agency for the report and will now work with other public service agencies to prepare advice for the Government on how to respond to its recommendations.

Deputy Director-General Public Health Agency Dr Andrew Old thanked those involved in the pandemic response and those who contributed evidence to the Inquiry.

“I want to thank all staff from across the health system and beyond who were part of the COVID-19 response, including those that gave evidence to the Inquiry,” he said.

The Commission found New Zealand did well overall in responding to the pandemic, with decisions and methods used during the response considered appropriate.

The report also identified areas where the actions of public servants fell short, including a finding that expert advice on COVID-19 vaccine mandates for 12–17-year-olds was delayed in being provided to Ministers or not clearly communicated to the public in a timely way.

“We acknowledge the Commission's finding that this was a significant failing,” Dr Old said.

The Royal Commission was established on December 9, 2022 to examine New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 and identify lessons that should be applied in preparing for future pandemics.

The final report will now inform how agencies prepare for and respond to future health emergencies.

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