Relating to the court decision on vaccine mandates

The following is a statement from Minister Hipkins, relating to today’s court decision

“The ruling affirms that mandates can be used in certain higher risk settings.

“The mandate for health and disability workers was found justified, and remains in place.

“While the majority of mandates have now been lifted, they continue to play an important part in protecting the vulnerable and ensuring the continuity of services in health settings, at the border where new variants come in and in prisons where outbreaks could be dangerous.

“The Government will continue to investigate latest information and may make further refinements to the scope of those remaining mandates where appropriate.

“Mandates have played an important role in making us one of the most highly vaccinated countries in the world, giving us greater freedoms and choices in how we manage outbreaks from now on.

“The Court did not accept that there are unknown safety concerns in relation to Pfizer.

“Our high rate of vaccination means we have fewer restrictions and the ability to lead a life close to normal despite the ongoing pandemic and risk associated with COVID-19.”