Covid-19: Northland case causing concern for Waitangi planning - a podcast by RNZ

from 2021-01-26T08:12

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A new case of Covid-19 in Northland has caused concern among iwi in the area.
M?ori leaders in Northland are calling for a vast improvement at the region's Covid-19 testing centres, saying the marathon waiting times on Monday left many M?ori distressed and anxious.
The Ngatiwai Trust Board said it was inundated with complaints from kaum?tua and wh?nau who were forced to spend hours in hot conditions awaiting tests.
It's particularly concerning as the region's population swells over summer, and with two holiday weekends in a row on the way anxiety is high.
Ngatiwai Trust BoardĀ chairman Aperahama Kerepeti-Edwards told Morning Report authorities need to ensure adequate staffing at testing centres in the region as the holiday approaches, describing the scenes from Monday as "bedlam".
Huhana Lyndon, a Whangarei hap? co-ordinator, said the events will "absolutely" complicate planning for Waitangi day.
"As we move into next week, with the busyness of Waitangi, we plan cautiously," she said.

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