Francesca Rudkin: Soon, no amount of Barry Manilow will save them

During a week in which frustration at the government’s handling of various aspects of the Covid response have been playing out very publically, New Zealand quietly reached a milestone – 10 million Covid vaccines had been administered by 2pm on Friday afternoon.  This is something worth celebrating. It wasn’t long ago when this seemed like an impossible milestone to achieve, given how slowly the Labour government went about purchasing and administering vaccines. It was just over 5 months ago when the government changed dates to allow all eligible New Zealanders to get their first dose of the vaccine. There were many who thought the government was dreaming when setting a target of 90% for double vaccination.  According to Covid19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, reaching the 10 million figure has been helped by a surge in booster shots and the vaccination of 5–11-year-olds. Both relatively new policies or with new guideline changes.  After a week of confused messaging about whether the government commandeered supplies of rapid antigen tests away from private businesses, and a convoy of protesters travelling the length of the country to Parliament, with some deciding to stay and camp out on Parliament’s lawn, the government will be pleased to have something positive to highlight.  The protestors, with their mixed messages, demands, and calls for action have certainly got the headlines this week. I’ve spent far too much time watching and listening to events, including hours of a live stream on Thursday when police began clearing out the mob. It quickly began to feel like a protest for protest’s sake – anyone with an anti-authoritarian issue or a liking for conspiracy theories seemed to take part.    The clogging of Wellington streets, damage to property, abuse of passers-by, calls for politicians to be hanged, and not least the annoying and repetitive cymbals and drums that just wouldn’t stop, are just a few reasons why, quite rightly, politicians haven’t appeared before this minority.  However, you only have to do an afternoon of talkback on this station, Newstalk ZB, to know that within the vast majority who have followed the science and gotten vaccinated there is also a growing frustration with the government’s approach and lack of transparency.  There is demand for conversations about self-isolation rules and how long mandates will remain in place. People are no longer tracing their movements, with many claiming they will not get tested if they get sick as family members can’t afford 24 days off work. What’s happening in Wellington may be dismissed as the anguished cries of a tiny number of discontents, but a bigger swell is building. Don’t mistake the 95% of eligible New Zealanders who are double vaccinated and for the most part doing what they’ve been asked as being happy about it.  Give them much more reason to doubt the government’s competence, and the honesty of what they’re being told – and no amount of Barry Manilow and lawn sprinkling will be able to save them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.