We the people of New Zealand have seen great success against COVID-19.  Our leaders have now cast aside the science that sustained us. 

At our current vaccination rates, there will be unchecked spread of the virus. Many vulnerable people will sicken or die. We think it quite wrong that the current move should punish the vaccine shy with misery and death. Misguided or not, whānau remain whānau. 

We have seen the pain in other countries when economic arguments trump good science. We do not want this. We are still prepared to take the hit to prevent hundreds of thousands of our fellow New Zealanders from falling ill. We will do the hard yards. 

It is clear that COVID-19 will soon overwhelm our health care system.  We must prevent this.  Even now, we believe we can. It will not be easy. All we ask is that our leaders follow the science again. 

Words are cheap. This is more than a petition. It is a pledge. To keep things fair, we will meet our pledge when the government resumes an elimination strategy, as shown here: https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n1794

The New Zealand government can establish a dedicated, ring-fenced fund to support those hurting the most. I pledge to contribute an amount that will cause me some pain. For some, this will be small; the well-off among us can give more—perhaps the price of an overseas holiday. 

Let our team of five million continue. 

Be heard. Sign this petition and pledge now.