Source: New Zealand Government Associate Minister for Health (MÄori) Hon Peeni Henare is pleased to confirm that the timing and sequencing of the COVID-19 Vaccine Programme has a strong focus on protecting MÄori whÄnau. âThe COVID-19 vaccination programme is the largest and most intensive vaccination programme the health sector has ever embarked on and we are ensuring that whÄnau are at the centre,â Peeni Henare said. âWe know MÄori are more likely to be worse off from the effects of COVID-19. That is why MÄori needs are at the forefront of the Governmentâs Vaccination Programme.