PM Jacinda Ardern upset over child refused vaccination before going to Samoa

PM Jacinda Ardern says it's "outrageous" that a Samoan toddler was refused a measles vaccination in Auckland before heading back to Apia which is grappling with a measles epidemic. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it's "outrageous" that a Samoan toddler was refused a measles vaccination in Auckland before heading back to Apia, which is grappling with a measles epidemic.

"I heard this last night and I thought it was outrageous, given this current situation – I am minded to ask questions there," Ardern said.

She added that she would personally follow up with Health Minister David Clark to figure out what exactly happened.

Ardern's criticism comes as the measles epidemic in Samoa has claimed 60 lives, mostly children.

The 15-month-old boy in question had been visiting New Zealand with his family, and stayed on with his godparents because his mum and dad did not want him returning to Samoa amid the measles outbreak.

But yesterday, he flew back with his godfather, Mark Wendt, who said an Auckland clinic refused to immunise the young boy because he didn't have a New Zealand passport.
Ardern said this was not acceptable.

She said anyone who heard about this issue would agree that it simply does not make sense.

"The fact that we didn't assist one child in New Zealand when we are giving vaccinations to Samoa to vaccinate feels nonsensical to me.

"So I will follow up with the Minister of Health."

Then, unprompted, she said she was also "horrified" by a cartoon that ran in the Otago Daily Times (ODT) this week.

The cartoon depicted two women walking out of a travel agency with the caption: "I asked 'what are the least popular spots at the moment." She said 'The ones people are picking up in Samoa'".

The ODT has apologised for publishing the cartoon, which has been labelled racist.

"The content and the timing of the cartoon were insensitive, and we apologise without reservation for publishing it," ODT editor Barry Stewart said in a statement.

Ardern was clearly upset by the cartoon.

"This is affecting children and babies – it's absolutely horrific. No one takes it lightly, New Zealand is doing all we can to assist."