Although we started last year Covid-free — an anomaly, down the bottom of the world — we ended with acute lockdown fatigue, abandoning an admirably ambitious elimination strategy, and the virus living among us.
Laser show off the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Photo / Dean Purcell
Omicron now looms large, though experts give some hope it could be less deadly and more manageable than previous variants.
We cling to that hope. Auckland endured 107 days in lockdown during the Delta outbreak, while other pockets of the nation did their bit to also break the cycle.
Last night, celebrations were muted around the country. Auckland's normally bustling city centre was quiet as Covid restrictions forced the cancellation of the popular fireworks spectacle off the Sky Tower. Instead a light show from the bridge illuminated up the city.
The sound of fireworks could be heard as people chose to gather with family and friends instead of in the bars and clubs.
The Covid restrictions of 2021 tested the resilience and resolve of all Kiwis, who dug deep to protect themselves and their neighbours.
We have done well. But there is more to do.
Yet, there is little stomach for further suffocating restrictions and widespread working-from-home in 2022.
The sun goes down for the last time for 2021, Auckland. Photo / Brett Phibbs
And it hasn't been all doom and gloom. Amid the fear, anger, anti-vaccination and freedom cries, there were bright spots to keep our spirits up.
Our Covid-19 case numbers, hospitalisations, and deaths pale into insignificance compared with many other countries, including our friends across the Tasman.
Reaching 91.8 per cent double vaccinations — helped by the Herald and NZME's 90% Project launched in September — was probably our biggest achievement last year. Take a bow, New Zealand.
It means that we're well-positioned to cope with coronavirus and get back some semblance of normal New Zealand life.
A phased reopening of international borders should begin next month for fully vaccinated travellers, if Omicron allows.
The sun goes down for the last time for 2021, Auckland. Photo / Brett Phibbs
In other impressive achievements last year, the Tokyo Olympics gave New Zealand its greatest medal haul.
Lisa Carrington became the nation's most decorated Olympic athlete after winning a remarkable three golds and yesterday became a Dame — as did world-beating Paralympian Sophie Pascoe, who scooped double Tokyo gold.
We defended the America's Cup and became inaugural world test cricket champions after beating powerhouse India.
The All Blacks, however, suffered a forgettable campaign, and under-fire coach Ian Foster will be desperate to get things back on track in 2022. New Zealanders will hope he does too; it will help life seem a bit more normal. Like the good old times.
