Five parties attend Long Covid panel, none offer policy commitments despite 185,000 affected

Labour, ACT, the Greens, New Zealand First and the Opportunity Party attended an online panel hosted by Long Covid Support Aotearoa on 10 August 2026. No party produced specific policy commitments. The panel heard that 4.3 percent of adults — roughly 185,000 people — are living with Long Covid, according to New Zealand Health Survey figures. Advocates are calling for better data collection and access to disability support services.