We are extremely proud of the combined efforts of Government, Māori Organisations and the public at large that have avoided a public health disaster to date, said Mr Mike Smith co-chair of the NICF Pandemic Response Group, it would be a tragedy if we failed after so much effort.
“We understand the temptation to attempt a balance between the effects on the economy and the well being of our population, however the global situation clearly demonstrates the extreme risk of failing to achieve either if the virus emerges in a community outbreak. We need to step up our national response to mitigate risk for both Māori and the general public.”
The summary of priority recommendations to Government of the Pandemic Response Group are [detailed in the link below.]