An artist's representation of the HIV virus

The researchers say this indicates there has been no continuation of the increase in annual HIV diagnoses seen in the previous ten years.

"While the number is somewhat less than 2008, it is too soon to say whether we are experiencing a definite downward trend in diagnoses."

Of the new cases, 73 were men infected through sex with men (MSM), down from the record 98 cases in 2008 but similar to 2007 and 2006 figures.

The report says 43 of the new MSM diagnoses were European men, eight Asian, six Maori, four Pacific and 12 unknown or other ethnicities. Almost half were living in Auckland, while 20 percent were living in Wellington. The average age was 37, while two of those newly diagnosed were aged between 15 and 19.

A total of 28 HIV positive people were notified as having progressed to AIDS in 2009; 23 men and five women. Fifteen were men who were infected with HIV through sex with other men.

Eighteen of all those notified received their diagnoses within three months of being diagnosed with HIV - and researchers say therefore probably would not have had the opportunity for antiretroviral treatment to control the progression of their HIV infections.

"This suggests there would be even fewer people progressing to AIDS if there was more HIV testing."