The Health Ministry says one person is suspected to have died this season from swine flu.
In its latest weekly update on swine flu, the ministry says flu activity is on the increase overall, and the pandemic virus is circulating.
However, it says, the rate at which people are going to the doctor with flu remains low.
Officials say four people have been admitted to intensive care units so far this winter, with one person suspected to have died from swine flu. It is understood the victim was a 48-year-old Tauranga woman.
The ministry says, as was the case last year, most people will get over the infection without developing complications or becoming seriously ill.
