It comes as two new COVID-19 cases are reported in New Zealand. Both cases were found in managed isolation.
The patient who died was transferred to North Shore Hospital from a managed isolation facility for treatment of a non-COVID related illness on February 5.
While in hospital, they returned a positive COVID-19 result. They died on Friday evening.
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said the patient had spoken to their family every day via Zoom or on the phone.
“This is a time for us all to offer our deep sympathy, while also respecting the family’s privacy.”
The ministry originally announced the returnee had been taken to hospital on February 7.
They arrived from Zambia via the United Arab Emirates on February 2.
While in hospital, their routine Covid-19 test came back positive.
The ministry said Covid-19 infection and prevention protocols were in place and followed to ensure the safety of health care workers and the public.
There was no risk to the public, and the ministry advised that hospitals were still safe to visit.
Waitematā District Health Board referred all queries to the Ministry of Health.
The ministry said the patient’s death had not yet been included in its official Covid-related deaths at this time.
Further information would be provided about this on Monday.
The two new cases announced on Saturday both arrived from India via the United Arab Emirates on February 9.
They tested positive after having their first test and are in an Auckland facility.
One previously reported case has now recovered, bringing New Zealand’s total active case numbers to 45.
The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases is 1972.
Vaccination of border workers is expected to start next Saturday.
Ardern said the Government expects to vaccinate the 12,000-strong workforce within two to three weeks.
Once they are vaccinated, household contacts of borders workers will be next.
The general population is expected to begin receiving vaccinations in the second half of the year.
This content first appear on 9news