Golden Bay iwi: Don’t visit if you aren’t vaccinated

If you’re not vaccinated, don’t come. That’s the message from Golden Bay iwi as they prepare for Aotearoa to reopen.

The traffic light system will bring a new level of freedom to vaccinated people across the South Island and some areas in the North Island from 11.59pm tomorrow.

Although that means there will be financial relief for businesses, iwi in the Golden Bay catchment are concerned it will bring a new level of risk to their people.

Barney Thomas, chair of Manawhenua ki Mohua, a coalition of

Nga¯ ti Tama, Nga¯ ti Ra¯ rua and Te A¯ tiawa, said Golden Bay’s population of 3600 triples over the festive season.

With Covid-19 knocking on their doorstep in Nelson, where three cases have been identified, concerns were beginning to mount about the safety of wha¯ nau, he said.

‘‘The traffic light process, we’re not sure if that’s going to help us or not. We’re very worried because we believe the health and wellbeing of

our families, both old and young, are paramount.’’

Thomas urged visitors who were considering Golden Bay as their holiday destination to think about the impact they could have on locals.

‘‘We’re not saying no to visitors, but ensure that you look after our wha¯nau. Make sure you’re clear of Covid and make sure you’re vaccinated.’’

Golden Bay/Mohua was in the bottom 5 per cent for fully vaccinated suburbs according to the Covid-19 Map, with 67 per cent of its population fully vaccinated. More than 20 per cent of those eligible for vaccination had not yet had a first dose.

Thomas said Manawhenua ki Mohua would meet next week to create a plan for keeping wha¯ nau safe over summer.

The iwi hadn’t discussed closing off the bay to travellers, but he knew other iwi were calling for events to be cancelled and travellers to stay away.

Wakatu¯ Incorporated chair Paul Morgan said there were hotspots of unvaccinated communities centred around Golden Bay and the surrounding towns.

‘‘We have people exercising their right to choose. [But] the top of the South is about to face that people are coming in of a high risk, and we can expect to get higher levels of infection.’’

Golden Bay had seen viruses spread quickly over the holidays before, Morgan said.

‘‘My preference is that they don’t come, but they have personal choice.’’