Bay of Plenty iwi issues vaccination call to protect whakapapa

Thursday, 28 October 2021

RÅ«nanga Chairperson, Linda Steel, has issued a vaccine call telling MÄori vaccination can protect their whakapapa

Representatives from 17 iwi across the Bay of Plenty have put out the call urging people across the rohe to get vaccinated to protect themselves and each other from Covid-19.

The chair of Te Rūnanga Hauora Māori o te Moana a Toi, the Māori Health Rūnanga who partner with the Board of the Bay of Plenty DHB, Linda Steel, and Deputy Chairperson, Kipouaka Pukekura, hope Tikanga Hou will provide a powerful call to action for whānau yet to receive their first shot and those who need to get their second dose to be fully protected.

“As proud descendants of Toi, we know our people will do everything they can to protect their whakapapa,” they said.

“The mahi that has already gone into our vaccination drive is starting to show results, but we need everyone to get on board this kaupapa, to protect each other and protect the legacy of Toi.”

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Toi was an ancient explorer, a pioneering ocean voyager who was one of the first to land at Whakatāne and establish a settlement there.

“We need all our whānau to be rowing this waka together. Now is the time to heed the karanga and come together to protect and nurture each other,” Steel said.

Vaccination rates for Māori in the Bay of Plenty sit at 62 per cent who have had their first dose, and 41 per cent who have their second.

“As we know, we’re being asked to reach a 90 per cent vaccination rate in the Bay of Plenty to provide the very best protection for all our whānau,” says Ms Steel.

“We want Te Tini o Toi (the many descendants of Toi) to be safe this summer and that means having important kōrero with all whānau to make sure no-one gets left behind.”

The Māori Health Rūnanga is made up of the 17 Iwi throughout the Bay of Plenty who are calling upon you, all the descendants of Toi, of Mataatua waka, Takitimu waka, Tainui waka, Te Arawa waka, who have not been vaccinated, to please go and get vaccinated.

“The only way to protect our whakapapa from Covid is to change our mindset and vaccinate.”