The emergence of the community case appears to have prompted Australia to immediately suspend its one-way travel bubble with New Zealand for at least 72 hours.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she had told Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison her Government had confidence in its processes.

"It is Australia's decision as to how they manage their borders," she said.

Australia also wants anyone who arrived there from New Zealand on or since January 14 to isolate and get tested for the coronavirus.

Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt says the decision was due to the length of time between infection,  and testing positive with the more transmissible strain.

The country's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd says the 72-hour hold gives time to paint a picture of the whole situation.

He says they're waiting to see the results of testing here.