3 Dec 2021

Coromandel mayor's antivax stance 'disgraceful' - Councillor Gary Gotlieb

From Checkpoint, 5:22 pm on 3 December 2021

Covid-19 has popped up on the Coromandel Peninsula again, with a case in Whitianga.

The person is fully vaccinated so is isolating at home. Meanwhile the District Council is grappling with how to operate safely at the orange light - under a mayor who had refused the Pfizer vaccine.

Thames-Coromandel Councillor Gary Gotlieb told Checkpoint Mayor Sandra Goudie's attitude on Covid and vaccination has been "nothing short of disgraceful".

Goudie attended an antivax gathering recently, Gotlieb said, and he believes she remains unvaccinated.

A mandate is coming into force barring unvaccinated people from entering council buildings.

Gotlieb said he does not believe she can do her job properly from afar, but said she has made it clear she will not resign.