OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR

 

New Zealand has been 'lucky' so far with the Covid-19 pandemic in that the virus hasn't taken hold in the way that it has in other countries, resulting in huge numbers of deaths and crippling health facilities.

We aren't out of it yet though and unless vaccination number drastically increase then we will always be at risk of more outbreaks necessitating lockdowns. The situation isn't helped though by irresponsible 'church' leaders like Brian Tamaki and the ill-informed anti mask and anti-vaccination people who are spreading mis and dis-information largely to further their own stupid platforms of anti-establishment, god's will and conspiracy theory. The pandemic should be treated as if it was a global war - one that New Zealand is involved in albeit how unwittingly. As such 'war governance' rules should be put in place to make vaccination 100% mandatory. 

New Zealand is a liberal and democratic country however and there will be pushback against such measures:

Covid 19 Delta outbreak: No jab, no job? Experts question legality of potential workplace policy.

Individuals have a right to make their own decisions about medical treatment, which includes vaccinations, say legal experts. 

Employment law experts are warning bosses against rushing to introduce mandatory Covid-19 vaccination for staff, which may conflict with individual and privacy rights.

No jab, no job policies introduced around the world have already created controversy.

Across the Tasman, the Victorian state government announced those in the construction industry are now required to show evidence they have had a first vaccine dose after public health officials become concerned about transmission in the sector.

It sparked days of protests and unrest in Melbourne this week by an assortment of construction workers, anti-vaxxers, lockdown opponents, so-called "freedom defenders" and conspiracy theorists.

In the United States, more companies are also requiring employees to be vaccinated, while President Joe Biden introduced an "action plan" this month that would affect tens of millions of people.

The plan involves private companies with more than 100 workers ensuring staff are vaccinated or tested weekly, which has led to state governors threatening lawsuits and Biden being labelled a dictator by Republicans.

Back in New Zealand, a frontline border protection officer was fired after refusing to get vaccinated. Customs NZ was then cleared by Employment Relations Authority this month of any wrongdoing, which ruled it was justified in dismissing the unvaccinated worker in April.

Sam Hurley - New Zealand Herald

In the First World War the New Zealand government took drastic steps to suppress activities which might undermine the war effort with the passing of The War Regulations Act in 1914.

 

In 1914 the New Zealand government moved quickly to strengthen the rule of law and keep the country focused on winning the war. It used the Post and Telegraph and Defence departments to monitor mail communications and newspaper reporting, and gave the police and courts broad powers to arrest and punish those who obstructed the achievement of the government’s priorities. From late 1916 Police and Defence shared responsibility for enforcing conscription, with defaulters ultimately facing incarceration in a public prison. These enforcement efforts took all those involved into new territory.

           POLICING THE WAR EFFORT

In the Second World War the New Zealand government similarly passed legislation to control food production and supply, conscription, spending, rationing, civil obedience, dissent and many other things that while imposing restrictions on civil liberties were largely accepted as being for the national good.

Emergency regulations & conscription

New Zealand’s Emergency Regulations Act 1939 was passed shortly after the declaration of war. The act gave the government wide powers. In May 1940, an amendment placed people and property in the hands of the government, enabling the introduction of conscription (compulsory military service).

From March 1941, New Zealanders had to dim lights in buildings, streets, and vehicles. The severest restrictions were in coastal towns, which were considered most vulnerable to enemy attack. People used heavy curtains, paper, wood, or paint to black out their windows.

                   WORLD WAR TWO - NEW ZEALAND

I believe that we are facing just as severe a threat, and maybe more, to health and wellbeing with this Covid-19 pandemic and that we should put ourselves on a war footing. Civil liberties of course must be respected but, for the greater good we cannot allow a minority to flout laws and to endanger people.

Compulsory vaccination, including the booster jab, should be enacted and ruthlessly enforced.

The anti-vaxxers, conspiracy theorists and aluminum foil hat wearers will just have to suck it up.