'It' was swine flu, otherwise known as Influenza A H1N1 PDM 2009: The pandemic virus that swept through New Zealand in 2009 and 2010. The strategy also included a worst case scenario based on the 1918 Influenza Pandemic during which 9000 New Zealanders died in two months. Ultimately the H1N1 pandemic fell short of that impact, instead affecting New Zealanders on a level much closer to that of seasonal influenza than a severe new pandemic influenza, Professor Baker said. “For a decade the world had been preparing for a different influenza pandemic: H5N1 Avian Influenza Pandemic." However, by crossing barriers, the virus was no longer technically swine flu and instead became known as Influenza Type A H1N1 PDM 2009, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 18, 2020 21:22 UTC