The Ministry of Health has revealed why deaths are increasing even as COVID-19 cases fall.
There were 19,542 new cases in the community and 971 people in hospital with COVID-19 on Wednesday.
The Ministry also announced 24 new COVID-related deaths - eight of whom died on Tuesday. The remainder died over the past three weeks and have only just been reported by local authorities due to changes to reporting.
It comes after two deaths were announced on Tuesday. The Ministry of Health says despite cases starting to trend down, more people are dying.
"At this point in the outbreak, we are seeing increasing numbers of people dying with Omicron. Sadly, this trend is not unexpected, and our thoughts are with the families of these people," The Ministry said on Wednesday.
"As has occurred with Omicron overseas, while COVID-19 cases are usually seen in higher numbers among younger people early in the outbreak, over time the more severe and fatal consequences of the virus fall disproportionately on our older and more vulnerable populations."
The Ministry said the average stay in hospital in the northern region is also increasing as well as the average age, showing vulnerable people are being hit.
"This indicates those being admitted are more likely to be vulnerable because of their older age and pre-existing non-COVID health conditions.
"In New Zealand, we have taken significant steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in aged care facilities, such as pausing or limiting visitors, strong infection prevention and control measures, and limiting the rotation of staff among facilities.
"One of the best things everyone can do to protect older and more vulnerable people, including family and loved ones, is to get vaccinated and get boosted."
Of the deaths on Wednesday, one was in their 40s, one in their 50s, four in their 60s, three in their 70s, eight in their 80s and six in their 90s. Eleven were women and twelve were men. The Ministry said demographic information for one person is not available. The average age of the people was 79.
Older people, unvaccinated people and those with underlying conditions are more vulnerable to the virus.
