The 90% Project is an NZ Herald initiative that aims to reach all New Zealanders to get the word out about vaccination so we can save lives and restore freedoms. Video / NZ Herald
OPINION
The race is on to get at least 90 per cent of the country's eligible population vaccinated against Covid-19 before Christmas.
And don't be mistaken — it is a race.
Currently just under 46 per cent of the country is fully vaccinated with two doses.
Rotorua sits at 42per cent who have had the double dose, while Tauranga sits at 39 per cent.
The only two countries in the world that are even close to that magical 90 per cent number are United Arab Emirates and Portugal with 83 per cent and 84 per cent respectively.
While New Zealand has been slow on the uptake, it's my hope that our local rates start spiking.
South Island coastal town Kaikoura leads the pack at 55 per cent but friendly rivalries are popping up all over the country.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff predicts a change late in the race.
"Auckland's going to be like the runner in the 5000m race who hangs around in the middle of the pack when they come into the final straights – that's when they pass everybody."
Wellington mayor Andy Foster was more diplomatic: "I want everyone to be at the top of the tree – I want Auckland to be 100 per cent vaccinated, I want Wellington to be 100 per cent vaccinated."
Many other areas of the South Island are champing at the bit, sitting in the low-to-mid-50s as well.
What's going on North Island? We can do just as well! Who will be the first to reach the coveted 90 per cent?
It's important to remember though, the goal here isn't to shame those areas not doing well but to encourage them to do better.
Keep your eye on the prize because it'll help a great deal.
What's the prize? Being able to sit shoulder to shoulder with strangers at sports venues, school halls, movie theatres, trains, planes and waiting rooms. Being able to hug our nanas, aunties and uncles. Being able to sneeze in public without being stared at.
It's about re-establishing our humanity, the connections that make us who we are.
Most importantly, the ultimate prize will be our health. Also the health of our whanau, friends, co-workers, our fellow citizens, and the economy that all these people rely on.
