In the past week, three people have tested positive to north of Auckland, the same region where events take place in the lead-up to New Zealand's national day.

Maori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said local communities urged MPs to "err on the side of caution" and not join the thousands expected around Waitangi ahead of the February 6 holiday.

"Aotearoa is currently at greater risk than we've ever been of another significant outbreak," Ms Ngarewa-Packer said.

Despite the new cases, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield insists there is no evidence of community transmission, and COVID-19 Minister Chris Hipkins says the government has no plans to raise alert levels.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and other politicians have signalled their intent to attend.

Waitangi Day is held each year on the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the pact between Maori and the Crown seen as New Zealand's founding document.

The Maori Party's absence is significant as the week turns the spotlight on Maori issues.

"It's a real shame that we won't be travelling to Waitangi this year, but there's nothing more important than the protection of whakapapa (family links) and ensuring we don't increase the risk of community transmission," Maori Party co-leader Rawiti Waititi said.

Australian Associated Press