Several Covid-19 cases among patients at Porirua's Kenepuru Hospital

Health NZ has confirmed there are several cases of Covid-19 among patients at Porirua's Kenepuru Hospital.

Robert Blaikie, interim deputy group director of operations for Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley, said winter always brought increased demand - particularly from respiratory illness.

There were currently several Covid-19 positive inpatients at Kenepuru Hospital, but the hospital teams were well-practiced in managing the illness, with the support and guidance of the Infection Prevention Service.

"While Covid-19 remains present in the community, it is now managed as part of our usual winter illness response, alongside other respiratory conditions and common viral infections," he said.

"We want to reassure the public that our amazing staff remain focused on maintaining safe, timely care for all patients."

Cooler winter weather meant more people were likely to get sick with colds, flu, Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses, and Blaikie said getting vaccinated helped protect people from serious illness and hospitalisation.