People infected with measles were on a flight from Samoa to Auckland last week, Auckland's health authority says.

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The flight was Samoa Airways OL731, which departed Samoa on Monday, 11 November.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service said people on the flight should check their immunity and watch for symptoms.

The situation in Samoa has been worsening, with the Samoan government on Tuesday saying 16 children had died from the disease, with more than 1100 overall cases reported.

Samoa declared a state of emergency on Friday, making measles vaccinations mandatory and banning public gatherings involving children.

It comes as the Minister for Pacific Peoples is warning holiday travel to Samoa may worsen the measles epidemic.

Aupito Su'a William Sio said he was encouraging communities in New Zealand to be wary of travelling to Samoa.

"During the Christmas period, there's going to be a lot of social functions, as there usually is. Family reunions, birthdays, weddings, you name it," Aupito said.

"If people are travelling from New Zealand into the islands, particularly Samoa, my advice is make sure you are immunised."

New Zealand has sent medical staff, vaccines and supplies to Samoa to help.

On Tuesday,