Face-to-face contact will be key to connecting those invisible in mainstream services to the Covid-19 vaccine, Māori health leaders say.
Turanga Health chief executive Reweti Ropiha says people must be the focus of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.
Photo: Supplied / LDR
Hopes for a people focus to the rollout of the vaccine have been emphasised by Māori and Pasifika leaders in Tairāwhiti, who say marae, churches and even door-knocking will be crucial to ensuring their people are vaccinated.
But they have also called on health authorities to consider how it will connect with those who are invisible , or not accessing health services.
Some Central Otago orchards say this season s crop is a write off, while others are struggling to find enough workers.
One orchardist calculates he has lost up to 40 percent of his cherries crop this season (file image).
Photo: summerfruitnz.co.nz
It has been a tough season for the growers, with Covid-19 border restrictions cutting the crucial supply of overseas workers.
To make matters worse, a deluge hit during the peak cherry harvest.
Ettrick Gardens co-owner John Preedy has been growing fruit, berries and vegetables in the small Central Otago town of Ettrick for decades.
The orchard scraped through the busy berry picking period, but is entering crunch time as students head home.
Samoan seasonal workers leave for employment in New Zealand this week
Over 700 Samoan Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme workers will depart for employment in New Zealand starting this week.
New Zealand has offered a total of 2000 employment opportunities for Pacific Island countries and workers will be ready to fly out of the country this month and all necessary preparations for the workers are well set before they depart.
Recruitment preparations includes orientation programmes to brief the workers on the regulations and work conditions, and to remind them that they represent the good image and reputation of Samoa in New Zealand.
The Government says it s working to address racism and poverty. Meng Foon doesn t buy it
2 Jan, 2021 10:01 PM
9 minutes to read I m looking forward to solutions from Māori for Māori : Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon in Hastings on Auckland 10, 2020. Photo / Warren Buckland I m looking forward to solutions from Māori for Māori : Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon in Hastings on Auckland 10, 2020. Photo / Warren Buckland
By: Clare de Lore
The Race Relations Commissioner is calling out the Government for inaction on racism and poverty. By Clare de Lore. It s 18 months since Meng Foon was appointed race watchdog. He s spent much of that time