August 4 2021 New Zealand has passed the 2 million Covid vaccine jabs milestone. Psychology researchers have delved into what makes some New Zealanders more reluctant about receiving the Covid-19 vaccine - finding a link to right-wing beliefs, but only when in tandem with conspiratorial thinking. The researchers pointed out that conspiracy theories weren't a right-wing issue alone, and manifested at both ends of the political spectrum. Participants were asked where they sat on a scale measuring liberal and conservative values, along with questions gauging their belief in the credibility of science and common Covid-19 conspiracy theories. "Certainly what our results suggest, is that a focus on building the public's trust in science may increase vaccine uptake while reducing endorsement of conspiracy beliefs."

Source: New Zealand Herald August 08, 2021 03:56 UTC