Southgate’s rally call

Hamilton Mayor is calling on young people to go out and get vaccinated this Saturday, October 16, as part of the New Zealand Government’s “Super Shot Saturday” plan to get as many eligible kiwis vaccinated as possible.

“Hamilton is a young city. Our median age is only 32.  So we, more than any other city, really need our young people to step up and do their part,” Southgate told Waikato Independent. 

As of Monday, October 11, 78 per cent of Hamilton residents had received their first dose, and 56.6 per cent were fully vaccinated.

Ahead of Super Shot Saturday, the Waikato District Health Board is working to put incentives in place for those who have yet to come forward and get vaccinated.  

“Getting fully vaccinated will mean we can get back to enjoying the things we all love, like concerts, sporting events and more,” says Southgate. 

This comes as a range of events including highly anticipated theatre shows, and the annual beer-loving event Ocktoberfest, were postponed due to Level 3 restrictions.

Organisers of Christmas at the Park also took to social media to announce their annual family friendly event would not be going ahead in December.

The government has already announced vaccine passports will be mandatory for large scale events, ahead of the return of a kiwi favourite — summer festivals.

If Hamiltonians want to see their favourite events come back in 2022, Southgate’s message is clear: get vaccinated.

“Being fully vaccinated keeps our family, neighbours and friends from being sick with Covid.   It will stop our hospital system being overloaded, preventing people who need it most from getting care, and it will help our city avoid future lockdowns.” 

Avoiding lockdowns is “so important given the economic and social damage they do”, says Southgate. “If local businesses go under, that’s fewer jobs.”

She understands that people are going to have questions around the vaccine, and implores them to talk to a trusted medical provider who can provide them with the right information.

“Please don’t believe everything you read or hear.  There is lots of misinformation being shared. Talk to someone knowledgeable because there are huge benefits to you, your family and your friends,” says Southgate.  “Also, it doesn’t hurt, I promise!” 

Hamilton East MP, Jamie Strange, has also been working closely with community groups and leaders to look at ways to encourage those who may be vaccine hesitant into getting vaccinated. 

“We are working with community groups who have a focus on Māori as we don’t want to see anyone left behind in our vaccination program,” says Strange.

Southgate is proud to share her own double vaccination status, “I’m very grateful and very pleased to be fully vaccinated.  So is my whole family and I’m relieved about that.”

Where to get vaccinated:

There are currently 59 vaccination providers in Waikato. To find your nearest provider, head online to book your vaccine  or find a walk-in provider. The vaccine is free, and everyone aged 12 and over in New Zealand is eligible.

Hamilton is currently under Alert Level 3 until 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 14.