Waipā mayor encourages district to claim top spot on ‘Super Saturday’

Waipā District’s mayor has encouraged Waipā residents to turn up and get vaccinated on ‘Super Saturday’ ­– a day dedicated to a nationwide vaccination push to reach a 90 percent vaccinated milestone among the general population.

Mayor Jim Mylchreest urged residents to make the most of Super Saturday and use it as an opportunity to get their first or second vaccine.

“Each of us has a part to play in protecting our community and getting vaccinated – so get down to your vaccination centre in Cambridge or Te Awamutu.”

In his video address to residents, Mylchreest said Waipā District needed to come together and get vaccinated and challenged the district to live up to its moniker.

“[It would] be great if Waipā: Home of Champions had the highest vaccination rate across the country.”

Residents could access vaccination stations at the old Bunnings store in Te Awamutu, and the Cambridge Community Marae, as well as a number of health providers also offering the vaccine via appointment.

Mylchreest encouraged residents who were on the fence when it came to the safety or efficacy of the vaccine to have an educated discussion with healthcare professionals or with one of the nearly 2.4 million New Zealanders who were fully vaccinated.

Deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk said it was important Waipā came together as a district to get vaccinated before summer to ensure various events and celebrations went ahead as planned.

“We need to reach that 90 percent milestone by the end of the year so we can make the most out the summer season, especially as the sporting and events season heats up.

“We’re at a turning point with this pandemic and we need to make the most out of so life can go on as normal.”

Stolwyk said after being heavily involved in the testing station at Karāpiro following the positive COVID-19 case in Cambridge last week, seeing Waipā District vaccinated was more important than ever.

Kakepuku Ward councillor Susan O’Regan also voiced her support for Super Saturday.

“My younger kids want to see their friends again and give their grandparents a huge hug. My older ones want to go to music gigs and 21st birthdays over summer.

“Without widespread vaccination these simple things won’t happen. Get it done and we can get back something closer to normal again.”

More information on Super Saturday can be found at covid19.govt.nz/super-saturday/.