Nurses at Auckland's Eden Park COVID-19 testing centre have been working up to 19 hour days to meet demand for coronavirus tests.
Newshub's Lucy Warhurst spoke to some nurses who said they began work at 5.30am and kept going until after midnight, clocking up 19 hour days.
"They're also very happy to be doing this job, they know how important it is for their own families as well as the community," Warhurst said.
Security staff were also pulling 12 hour days and most nurses were doing 11, but they said they were being treated well and getting their breaks.
The testing centre opened for the first time on Friday morning at seven o'clock and cars were queuing from six o'clock. Even people who arrived early to get their tests taken were having to wait up to three hours.
On Friday afternoon the queue was a kilometre long.
Most people queuing came prepared, bringing snacks, books and their dogs along to wait.
Nurses said everyone had been patient and they were thankful.
One of the nurses, though, said a lot of people were concerned. Many of them were under the weather, which is why they were getting tested. Add to that hours of waiting and there could be tension.
This came as the Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield reported some testing staff were receiving abuse, which he said was "inexplicable and unacceptable."
People with cold and flu-like symptoms are currently being prioritised for coronavirus tests over those with no symptoms. Tests at Covid-19 testing stations are free, but appointments for tests at a doctor's clinic may cost to cover the doctor's fees.
If in doubt, free call the dedicated Covid-19 Healthline number on 0800 358 5453, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
