To bribe or not to bribe? That is the questionđ¤
Not sure where to start, but here goes âŚ
The pressure for all of us, well not all of us but a vast majority of us, to get vaccinated for not only our own benefit, health and wellbeing, but also for good of the whole nation and mankind (so to speak), has been all over every single news outlet, social media platforms, online services etc âŚ
It began with a trickle for us to trot down to the vaccination place to get our first vaccination.
Some have even had their second dose of the vaccination â well done.
Now, slowly but surely the speed has ramped up. The numbers have increased for those who have now entered the âvaccinated clubâ, again well done.
There will be those who refuse to get vaccinated for whatever reason, whether it is personal or medical. I do struggle understanding with the personal reasons but will respect their choice.
The public push to get the percentages up to get vaccinated is almost at full speed, and itâs been âinterestingâ for lack of a better word right now, to watch this.
Those of us who have joined the vaccinated club, did so not only out of duty for our fellow mankind, but more importantly, to try and keep ourselves alive during this nightmare pandemic.
What Iâm struggling with now regarding the push to get vaccinated, is the hand holding, the enticements, the bribes and the rewards the soon to be freshly vaccinated people are now being offered e.g. a car, a holiday, extra money in the pay packet, food etc âŚ
Will all of those people who have already been vaccinated be getting any rewards that are currently on offer, to congratulate us for being responsible adults and stepping up early to get vaccinated?
Will we heck!
So why are they bribing people to get vaccinated now?
Has it shown to be an effective way of getting those bodies through the door?
Or has it merely shown people's greed?
When they start talking about vaccinating people in the fast food drive through, you know itâs becoming desperate.
We need to find a way that works for the whole of New Zealand, each and everyone of us. We canât fix the world, but we sure as heck can start to fix ourselves here in New Zealand and prepare our loved ones around us to do the same.
I wish I knew the right answer on this or how to motivate people to get in with the rest of us in the vaccinated club, believe me, Iâve sat here for ages trying to think of a solution that would appease both sides, but I canât.
All I know is that there will be people who will point the finger at the Government, at the Department of Health, at overseas stats, at the delay in getting the vaccine; HOWEVER none of those niggles that those people always throw out there have anything to do with this.
Do we really need to be enticed, bribed or even rewarded for doing something that will keep each of us alive in the long run?
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcareâs Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. Youâll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and letâs dig in.
Click read more for more information.
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 wouldnât be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84% Yes
-
14.7% No
-
1.3% Other - I'll share below
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.