January 25, 2021
Media Release: Border controls are back
BORDER CONTROLS ARE BACK
MEDIA RELEASE
Tai Tokerau Border Control met last night to discuss plans to deal with the latest threat to the people of the north “ the community case of the more contagious South African coronavirus strain.
“We’ve been in touch with the police, iwi and health authorities, and we intend standing up Checkpoints in key points across the north to protect our old people and everyone else in the north” said Reuben Taipari, TBC Regional Co-oordinator.
“We’re disappointed that government has not already initiated plans to protect kaumātua and kuia in the north and Māori people in general, who comprise some of the most at-risk groups to the latest virulent strain”
“And while we hear that Australia has cancelled free travel from here, we see that our government still keeps our borders open. WTF?”
“This is not an academic exercise for us. Our tangihanga are under review, our kōhanga may be closing, govt depts are moving to protect their staff, iwi are initiating work-from-home strategies, and plans for Waitangi may have to be shelved, but government is doing nothing to protect our most vulnerable whānau” said Nyze Porter, TBC Logistics Co-ordinator.
TBC Co-ordinators are yet to confirm dates, times, and shifts to set Checkpoints up at key locations, “but we will keep police, iwi and health authorities informed and we look forward to their support to help keep our communities safe.”
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