Māori health providers are determined to spread the word that the vaccine is reliable and safe and they're driven by dire statistics. Within the next few weeks, Māori health providers will receive 40,000 vaccine doses for Māori aged 65 years and older or with comorbidities. But on a grey March day at a community hui at Terenga Paraoa Marae in Whangārei, surrounded by local Māori health workers, kaumātua, parents and children, deputy director-general of Māori Health John Whaanga takes a bolder approach. I have no doubt that if we look at the history of Māori health development, we can clearly show that vaccination has helped improve Māori health." He says Māori health providers know their communities best, and he doubts kaumātua who aren't quite 65 will ever be turned away.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 19, 2021 06:06 UTC