New Zealand election: Chris Hipkins tests positive to Covid at critical point in campaign

New Zealand’s prime minister, Chris Hipkins, has tested positive to Covid-19 and will sit out five days of campaigning ahead of the election on 14 October.

Hipkins’ campaign team cancelled his Sunday morning plans after the Labour leader woke up unwell in Auckland. A test subsequently showed the prime minister had caught Covid, scotching his plans during a critical phase of the campaign.

“He has cold and flu symptoms that began yesterday. He will be isolating for five days or until he returns a negative test,” a spokesperson for the prime minister said.

“He will continue with engagements he can undertake via zoom.”

In a post on Instagram, Hipkins said he would try to keep up campaign engagements remotely.

“Bugger! After a rough night I woke up this morning feeling pretty unwell and just got this test result,” he wrote.

“I’m in close contact with New Zealanders on the campaign trail and I don’t want to pass it on to anyone, so I’ll be following the guidance and isolating for a few days or until I get a negative test.”

New Zealand no longer has mandatory isolation periods in place, though Hipkins is choosing to do so under its recommended health advice.

The 45-year-old has fallen ill at a crucial phase of New Zealand’s election campaign, with his governing Labour party already well behind in the polls. Advance voting opened from 27 September for some New Zealanders and the third leaders’ debate is scheduled for Tuesday night.

Australian Associated Press contributed to this report