For all the criticism of the Labour Government for its slow vaccination rate statistics, and particularly the number of deaths from Covid-19 where it matters, New Zealand leads the world by a country mile recording only 27 deaths, making us the envy of all developed countries.
All of that can be attributed to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s ability to goad New Zealanders into wearing masks and social distancing. The Government’s slow vaccination rate has largely been a case of shortage of supply and the initial caution by the Government on choice of the safest vaccine at a time when rumours of side effects (some justification as it later turned out) were spreading and further proof of Ardern’s consistent assertions of keeping New Zealanders safe.
Chris Hipkins’ label by a journalist as the Minister of Covid excuses could equally be matched by Chris Bishop or Judith Collins (take your pick) as the Minister Of Covid sour grapes. Polls of their dismal failure and support as leaders all point suggest they and a National government would have failed miserably.
Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay
