The Australian woman refusing a Covid test in a Wellington MIQ facility should be deported back across the ditch, says Opposition Leader Judith Collins.

Australian woman Lucinda Baulch is to be released this week from MIQ after 28 days - having refused to take a Covid-19 swab.

The National party leader on Tuesday slammed the Government's "soft approach" in allowing arrivals into the country to refuse Covid tests, and suggested that the woman be deported back to Australia.

"If a New Zealander went to Australia and refused to get tested at an MIQ facility, what do you think would happen to them? They'd be back on a plane to New Zealand."

"So unless this woman is a New Zealand citizen… the Australian Government, they need to take back their own person if she's one of these."

Meanwhile, a celebration of veteran politician Winston Peters' career cost the taxpayer almost $12,000.

Around 100 MPs, diplomats, and senior members of the public service attended the December farewell.

Listen above as Josie Pagani and Neil Miller discuss the day's news with Heather du Plessis-Allan on The Huddle

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