Swine flu has become the dominant flu virus in New Zealand and some emergency departments are struggling to cope.

A Bay of Plenty woman is believed to be the country's first death from swine flu this year.

Epidemic is expected to return, although only five cases have been confirmed so far.

The swine flu virus is being blamed for a leap in the number of pregnant women dying in New Zealand and Australia.

Swine flu is being blamed for a jump in the number of deaths amongst pregnant women.

New Zealanders are being urged to have flu jabs soon, ahead of a likely second round of the international swine flu pandemic.

A NZ woman has died after being ravaged by swine flu for three months. The 43-year-old had no other health conditions when she became ill.

The Kiwis are poised to play a French side riddled with swine flu in their Four Nations clash on Sunday.

Genetic research breakthroughs are being boosted by a New Zealand biological research software company.