Half of GPs in New Zealand have battled with patients who have refused a COVID-19 test, according to a new study.
It comes as the Government is pushing for increased testing to see whether there's community transmission.
The research from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners was released on Tuesday, and its president Dr Samantha Murton says 800 people were surveyed as part of it.
"Four-hundred said we had people who had declined to have a test and I was quite amazed by that."
The reasons for declining a test varied.
"Some of the responses we got said that parents would decline for children," she says.
"The other thing is that people just don't think it's around enough."
The survey also found 75 percent of GPs would be willing to test people randoming to ensure the virus isn't in the community.
Health Minister Chris Hipkins says it's "frustrating" testing numbers aren't at the level he expects. At the beginning of his tenure he set a target of 4000 COVID-19 tests per day, but only 1107 swabs were taken on Monday.
"I don't think, in all of this, that there is a deliberate attempt to suppress testing numbers. I think there are a few systemic issues that as they're identified we can work through, just to make sure the testing gets back to the level we need to see it," he said on Tuesday.
One of those issues is people saying no even when their doctor tells them to get a test.
People on the streets of Wellington Newshub approached on Tuesday asked their fellow Kiwis to think of the team of five million.
"I think if you've been told to take a COVID test then it's a very good idea. You've got to think of the whole community," one said.
"I do think people should be tested, but I do understand some of the conspiracies because today is a crazy time," another said.
"Get tested if you think you're sick, because you've got to help everybody out," a third said.
Those messages were echoed by Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
"I really do encourage everyone who is offered a test - it would be for a good reason - please do accept that offer."
