Norovirus Outbreak at Valentines Manukau in New Zealand

12 Lakewood Court, Auckland, 2104 Auckland, New Zealand

Fifteen individuals have fallen ill following a norovirus outbreak linked to the Manukau branch of Valentines, a buffet restaurant in Auckland. The outbreak, which occurred on June 12, 2026, has resulted in symptoms of gastroenteritis among those affected.

The outbreak was confirmed by Dr. Li-Wern Yim, Medical Officer of Health for the Northern region of the National Public Health Service (NHPS). All affected individuals had visited the restaurant on the same day. Symptoms reported include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, with one family experiencing illness for up to a week. Despite the outbreak, an inspection by Auckland Council found no food safety violations at the restaurant.

The issue was brought to light when the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) informed Auckland Council of a suspected gastrointestinal outbreak on June 17. A joint inspection by Food Safety Officers from the Council and MPI on June 18 did not reveal any food safety concerns. The NHPS is currently investigating the source of the outbreak, and New Zealand Food Safety is collaborating with relevant authorities to address the situation.

Source: www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360996685/all-night-vomiting-15-people-sick-after-norovirus-outbreak-valentines-restaurant