It's very disappointing that measles is being exported to Pacific neighbours, says New Zealand's Opposition associate health spokesperson.
MP for Whangarei, Dr Shane Reti, says New Zealand is well-resourced and had plenty of warning of global measles threats from the World Health Organisation.
Samoa has 169 suspected measles cases, including the death of a child, and now Tonga has 15 rugby players with measles symptoms after playing in New Zealand.
As of Wednesday, there were a total of 68 cases in Tonga and an outbreak has now been declared.
Dr Reti told Jenny Meyer that New Zealand has a responsibility to get its own measles outbreak under control and help the neighbours it has let down.
National MP Shane Reti. Photo: Supplied / National Party
