Jan Tinetti Labour MP

Super Saturday was a great success here in Tauranga and right around the country, with over 130,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccination delivered.

I spent the day at Merivale Community Centre. It's always great to have a reason to spend time in Merivale and I still really miss the community that I spent 11 years in during my time as principal at Merivale School.

The number of people who turned up on the day exceeded expectations, and I'd like to thank them and indeed everyone who has had their vaccinations to protect themselves, their families, their communities and country.

During the preparation for Super Saturday, it was a privilege to learn a bit more about the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to deliver the vaccination to people.

I have so much respect for those working at the frontline - the local DHB, the nurses and, of course, the vaccinators who not only deliver the jab so efficiently and painlessly, but are there with supporting words and comfort for those with questions or who have a fear of needles.

I would also like to thank Zespri, who came on board and provided a van for transporting people to the centre and for the bicycle run smoothie maker which was a huge hit - especially for the kids waiting patiently for their parents to receive their vaccination.

Tauranga City Council also dropped by and mowed the centre's lawns in preparation for the big day - thanks! It was great to see the community coming together.

We envisage there will be future pop-up clinics in Merivale and across the city in the coming weeks, particularly in areas where the rates of vaccination are low and to accommodate those who will be coming back for their second jab in three weeks. Remember, you only have to wait three weeks for your second jab, not the six weeks previously advised.

As I write this, it is a beautifully warm, spring day and it reminds me of how good summer will be if our vaccination rates are high and we get to enjoy all the things we love about summer - travelling to other places, having friends around for drinks and a barbie and enjoying the beach; things we used to take for granted but which now seem more the sweeter.

So my message to everyone is don't delay! Get vaccinated today and let's make summer unstoppable.