Northland health specialists have contingency measures in place in case a new mutated "bird flu" strain reaches our shores.
Scientists in Wellington are testing for a new strain of the influenza virus which has caused six deaths in China.
Northland District Health Board spokeswoman Liz Inch said the DHB had "standard procedures and plans to activate in the event of any emergency", be that from a disease such as the new mutation or a civil emergency event.
"If an emergency response is required it will be activated in full consultation with the Ministry of Health."
Existing procedures were in place for all communicable diseases, Ms Inch said.
The 2013 seasonal influenza vaccine for the Southern Hemisphere included two new strains based upon World Health Organisation (Who) recommendations and also protects against the H1N1 or "swine flu" virus.
As of April 9, 23,880 Northland residents had been immunised against this year's seasonal winter flu strain, up from 20,980 at the same time last year.
The new influenza A (H7N9) virus is a mutation of previous "bird flu" viruses.
While no vaccine is currently available, ground work was underway by international scientists.
The MOH's Communicable Disease team had been providing updates on the A (H7N9) virus regularly in a weekly public health report that the Institute of Environmental Science and Research sends out.
The World Health Organisation National Influenza Centre (Who Nic) in Wellington is monitoring the spread of A (H7N9) and planning New Zealand's response.
Who Nic director Dr Sue Huang said following contingency planning for the 2009 pandemic, New Zealand had a "robust response plan" for any potential outbreak.
"We are in contact with our international colleagues to learn more about this new strain as well as providing precautionary monitoring for any sign of the virus here.
"As a precaution this laboratory will be investigating samples from any patients with severe acute respiratory infection that are positive for certain strands of influenza A."
Dr Huang said the new influenza A (H7N9) virus differed from the seasonal flu virus as the new strain had yet to be contracted between humans.
Latest updates show 21 cases confirmed in China, including six deaths, 12 severe cases and three mild cases.
They are the first known cases of A (H7N9) infecting humans. It normally circulates among wild birds and poultry.
The anti-influenza drugs Tamiflu and Relenza can still be used to treat the new virus, as well as seasonal flu strains, Dr Huang said.
Those travelling to China should take Tamiflu medication in case they developed flu-like symptoms. However people should not worry about stockpiling the drug here as the virus had yet to progress to human-to-human transmission.