Air New Zealand holds vaccine centre in Boeing 787 for Super Saturday
Kiwis have the chance to get jabbed on a jet this Saturday, as Air New Zealand reveals plans for a unique vaccine clinic. A Boeing 787 will be used as a drop-in vaccination centre for Aucklanders getting their Covid 19 jabs. Dubbed "Jabaseat" the airline's Chief Safety Officer Captain David Morgan has called it a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity. Vaccines will be taking place between 9am and 5pm out of the Air New Zealand hanger on Laurence Stevens Drive. "We know Aucklanders have been doing it tough recently and we hope the idea of boarding an international aircraft for the first time in a long while will lift some spirits – while also encouraging people to protect themselves," said Captain Morgan. Jabaseat will be held to boost turnout on Super Saturday. The weekend vaccine drive was announced by Covid Response minister Chris Hipkins on Wednesday, along with a televised 'TV Jabathon'. "We're getting ready to reunite families and fly Kiwis to their holiday destinations – but first New Zealand needs to get vaccinated. The more who can get involved with Super Saturday, the better." Plane spotters will be on cloud nine. However for wing-clipped travellers, it's a chance to get a little closer to their next overseas holiday. Jabs will take place in the plane's Business Premier cabin, with people then moving through to Economy for a refreshment while they wait the required 15 minute period of supervision. Earlier this month Air New Zealand announced a "no jab, no fly" policy for international travel. CEO Greg Foran said that the airline would not be accepting bookings from unvaccinated passengers for after 1 February next year. Seats can be booked via the Ministry of Health's Book My Vaccine website. Spaces are extremely limited, so you'll have to be quick.
=====================================================
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.6% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
Loading…
