5 Oct 2021

Covid-19: Mandatory vaccination unlikely - Robertson

From Morning Report, 7:13 am on 5 October 2021

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says mandating Covid-19 vaccinations is unlikely, but vaccine certificates are likely to be introduced in the near future.

Certificates would permit people to attend events, venues, and other activities to show they are vaccinated.

Robertson told Morning Report making any type of vaccination across the population would be challengeable.

"What we are [doing], and what you'll hear more from the Prime Minister about today, is the approach that we're going to take around what vaccines can enable you to do.

"The use of vaccine certificates is going to be an important part of how we move forward from here.

"But mandating vaccinations is not something New Zealand's done and I think it's a step that many New Zealanders would find very, very difficult, but there will be situations where being vaccinated is the key to you being able to live a relatively normal life. That will be a great incentive."

He denied that the Government was changing its Covid-19 strategy.

"What this is about, is the beginning of a transition to a place where vaccinations keep New Zealanders safe. But we've got to be really clear, this is still a cautious and methodical approach."

Robertson said the changes were a continuation of a strategy that supports public health objectives.