April 07, 2020
Whanau flock to Motiti for lockdown
Motiti Island off Tauranga has more than doubled its population with whānau returning to see out the level four COVID-19 lockdown.
Resident Patrick Young says Ngāti Kahu Hauora in Bethlehem came over just before the lockdown to give flu jabs to the kaumatua within the usual 30-strong population, but there are now an extra 50 or so people on the island.
He says while rangatahi initially seemed to be taking the lockdown restrictions lightly, they are starting to take it more seriously.
A freight plane comes three times a week with supplies sent by whānau on the mainland, and people are able to fish.
"The locals here, we still dive but we only dive in the bubble we are in. Everyone does not go to the beach and have a big dive, but the few of you there are doing their own diving." Mr Young says.
Patrick Young
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