14 May 2022

MP Phil Twyford pulls out of Timor-Leste trip after positive Covid-19 test

8:05 pm on 14 May 2022

Labour MP Phil Twyford has tested positive for Covid-19 and will no longer be able to travel to Timor-Leste on Monday.

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Phil Twyford is unable to travel to Timor-Leste on Monday after testing positive for Covid-19. Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas

Twyford is the second Labour MP to test positive today, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier revealing she had also contracted the virus.

In a statement, Twyford said he was disappointed he would not be representing the New Zealand Government for the 20th anniversary of Timor-Leste's independence and at the inauguration of Dr Jose Ramos-Horta as Timor-Leste's next president.

New Zealand's ambassador to Timor-Leste, Philip Hewitt, will instead represent the government at these events.

Twyford said he had moderate symptoms and tested positive this morning.