Te Wero. Māori experiences and impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated Government response was unprecedented in Aotearoa. So too was the COVID-19 vaccine rollout—this country’s biggest immunisation rollout ever, underpinned by significant infrastructure and regulation, including vaccine mandates and certificates.

Throughout this study, two core questions were asked:

• Question 1: What were the experiences and impacts of the vaccine rollout and mandates on whānau, hapū, and iwi in the Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) region and nationally?

• Question 2: Based on these experiences, what are the key areas of consideration for future vaccine readiness and uptake?

In answering these questions, this research hopes to help inform Government policymakers and Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa) communities in the event of future national public health responses.