Mr Speaker. I wish to make a Ministerial Statement under Standing Order 347(1) relating to the swine flu.

I undertook to keep the House informed of any significant changes.

Reflecting the wide community transmission of the flu, New Zealand moved on Friday from a "containment approach", to "managing" the epidemic. This is in line with WHO recommendations.  

This means NZ is treating this new flu like the usual seasonal flu.

As a result of the tremendous efforts of our public health authorities and primary care professionals, NZ has delayed the likely peak of the swine flu beyond the annual winter flu peak.

As of today, 12 of the 21 District Health Board areas are in the "manage it" phase, with a further four expected by the weekend. The decisions to transition are made by regional Medical Officers of Health and the Ministry of Health.

Over the coming months the H1N1 flu will present challenges to the health system and the community.

I have been advised that this flu will become very widespread. The number of confirmed cases has grown by a fifth overnight. 

This rate of spread will put pressure on hospital EDs and GP clinics in particular.  For example, there may well be lengthier delays in EDs, and some surgery may need to be deferred because of pressure on hospital beds and staff.

DHBs will be establishing flu centres as appropriate.

It is even more essential now that Kiwi families take simple precautions to prevent the spread of the flu, and we are making information on how to do this widely available.

Businesses, schools and other organisations should have contingency plans for more people being away sick than usual, so that normal life can go on

In light of health officials advice, we are now using the national tamiflu stockpile strategically. This is because in nearly all cases the flu is mild, and it is wise to conserve our stockpile for a possible second wave of a more serious nature.

May I conclude by reinforcing that although the flu will become very  widespread, that this is expected, it is mild, and that we have the resources, plans and health professionals to deal with it.