New Zealand / Covid 19

Vaccination centre vandalised, staff threatened

14:31 pm on 31 October 2021

A vaccination centre in Auckland has been targeted by vandals.

A vaccination centre in Panmure was vandalised and staff have been abused. Photo: Supplied / Twitter / Jo Bartley

The shopfront window at the Pasefika Family Health Group in Panmure was smashed a day after a successful community vaccination event.

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley said on Facebook the incident was "unacceptable."

"We will not tolerate violence, keep your anti vax violence to yourself please," she wrote.

Staff at the centre say they have been targeted with online abuse and threats.

Pacific Response Coordination Team chair Pakilau Manase Lua said community members have gathered outside the health provider.

"We've surrounded the clinic just to show our support and to secure the staff who are in there today vaccinating.

"(It's) very sad. This is something that we all weren't expecting. We're here helping people, saving lives, vaccinating the community, and to have this happen is just atrocious."

Police say they are aware of the incident and are making enquiries.