A new Omicron subvariant BQ1.1 has been detected in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed one person has tested positive with the new subvariant.
The subvariant was also detected in Te Waipounamu wastewater samples.
"At the early stage of a new variant being identified in New Zealand, it is difficult to predict whether and when it will become established in the community," the Ministry of Health said in a statement.
The Ministry of Health said most Omicron subvariants have not changed the seriousness of the disease.
"Early evidence overseas suggests the BQ.1.1 has a growth advantage relative to BA.5, the dominant variant currently circulating in New Zealand.
"In recent weeks in the Northern Hemisphere the colder weather, waning immunity, [the] timing of last vaccinations and other behavioural factors, are likely to have contributed to an increase in BQ.1.1 cases."
The Ministry of Health added there is no evidence to suggest the BQ.1.1 subvariant is driving case numbers up but it is monitoring the development of COVID-19 subvariants both overseas and in New Zealand.
"Local factors that could impact case numbers include levels of immunity in the community related to immunisation, previous infections, large events and indoor gatherings," the Ministry of Health said.
On Monday, the Ministry of Health revealed there were 9405 community cases of the virus and a further 25 COVID-related deaths, which covered the seven-day period from Monday, October 3 to Sunday, October 9.
