The West Auckland Whānau Ora Battalion is joining forces with the South Seas Healthcare, Manukau Urban Māori Authority and the Turuiki Healthcare Vaccination Fleets over the next two days to push vaccination rates among Māori and Pasifika in the Ōtara-Māngere areas before the Auckland borders open.
File photo: South Seas helpers drape flags across them as they support the Ōtara community at the Super Saturday vaccination event Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā
After analysing some of the data on unvaccinated Māori in the North Island released by the Ministry of Health, Whānau Ora has identified that Ōtara and Māngere areas have large pockets of unvaccinated people.
South Seas Healthcare chief executive, Silao Vaisola Sefo, says they are grateful for the support coming from Whānau Ora.
"We have been watching the impact the Whānau Ora Battalion is having all over the place with Māori and non-Māori and am humbled that they will also support our endeavours," Silao said.
"The teams out west and south have been working extremely hard to get to our people, but for some there is still a reluctance to get vaccinated.
"But we can not stop asking, as it is our duty to offer the opportunity to be vaccinated. We want to support the community heading into Christmas," Silao said.
There will be around 240 staff from across Auckland working to get vaccinations up over the next two days.
Whānau Ora chief operating officer, Awerangi Tamihere, acknowledged the vaccination teams were working extremely hard to get every last person they can.
"The 60, 70 or 80 whānau we get each day from each mobile unit motivates our people and teams," Awerangi said.
"We are looking forward to supporting our Pasifika whānau out south."