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Drug smuggling bust: Six Air New Zealand workers, three King Cobra members charged

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By RNZ.co.nz

Police say Auckland Airport has been targeted by a syndicate smuggling drugs from the United States into New Zealand.

Operation Selena seizures: (from top left, clockwise) Meth hidden in a container from Tonga to Auckland, firearms seized in relation to investigation on smuggling from Tonga, cash and firearm seized after investigation into smuggling from Malaysia, meth disguised as taro and cassava.
Operation Selena seizures: (from top left, clockwise) Meth hidden in a container from Tonga to Auckland, firearms seized in relation to investigation on smuggling from Tonga, cash and firearm seized after investigation into smuggling from Malaysia, meth disguised as taro and cassava. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

Fourteen people, including six baggage handlers working for Air New Zealand and three King Cobra gang members, have been charged today after a six-month joint operation with Customs.

Authorities confiscated 45kg of meth and three firearms in relation to the latest arrests.

Detective Inspector Paul Newman said they suspect unchecked items were placed onto aircraft flying from Los Angeles to Auckland.

Police suspect the unchecked items were removed from the cargo holds by offenders who bypassed security.

They believe the syndicate has been smuggling drugs from LA since the start of this year and have allegedly conspired to import more than 100kg of methamphetamine.

Today police carried out 19 search warrants, resulting in the 14 arrests and seizure of millions of dollars in assets, including two Auckland properties and bank accounts, as well as small quantities of methamphetamine.

The 14 people charged with importing, conspiring to import and possessing to supply methamphetamine are due to appear in the Auckland District Court.

How the operation unfolded

Detective Inspector Paul said an intelligence operation into “insider threats” at the airport began early last year, which resulted in four baggage handlers charged in relation to smuggling 20kg of meth into Auckland from Los Angeles Airport.

It became the genesis for Operation Selena in June this year, which tracked down smuggling from Tonga, Malaysia and the USA.

In August 2021, five people were arrested after a container from Tonga to the Ports of Auckland was found with 30kg of methamphetamine, which was packed and disguised as taro and cassava.

Two of those charged were King Cobra gang members and another two allegedly either worked at, or transported containers from, the Port of Auckland, police said.

Two firearms were also seized during search warrants along with $20,000 in cash.

Last month, police said 14 people, including six baggage handlers, were arrested in relation to a criminal syndicate headed by King Cobra members allegedly smuggling or conspiring to smuggle nearly 500kg of methamphetamine into Auckland Airport from Malaysia.

A smuggling attempt of 200kg of methamphetamine was intercepted at the Malaysian border in October 2021.

Police said through their investigation they discovered links between syndicate members, and some of the people who were charged today were already facing charges.

Tightening security to prevent ‘corrupt insiders’

Detective Inspector Paul Newman said they have been working with Air New Zealand over the course of the investigation.

“This type of offending is highly concerning not only because of the harm the drugs cause when they enter our communities, but because the ability to place unchecked items onto aircraft threatens the integrity and security of air travel.”

Newman said they were also working with “offshore partners” to help tighten security.

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer David Morgan said the airline had zero tolerance for such offending.

“We will also continue to encourage and support all our employees to do the right thing and report any suspicious behaviour.”

Customs intelligence manager Bruce Berry said the investigation showed how offenders tried to manipulate the trade supply chain by recruiting insiders.

“We continue to work closely with industry, including across airports and ports who have been very cooperative with such investigations.”

US Homeland Security Investigations Attaché to Oceania Adam Parks said these arrests showed the “threat posed by corrupt insiders” within trade and travel systems.

Tongan RSE worker dies after absconding in Auckland 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A Tongan man who arrived in New Zealand as a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) worker has died after he suffered from what appeared to be an incurable disease, a source who asked to be anonymous said. 

The man is believed to have long absconded from his RSE employer and was known to have lived in Auckland before his death.  

It is understood the man was hospitalised for his medical condition at Auckland’s Middlemore hospital.

We chose not to release his identity at this stage until his family could be reached for comment. 

The news came after 66 Tongan RSE workers have absconded from their workplaces in apparent breach of their contract agreements and work permits. 

The New Zealand government had previously called for better vetting for the scheme after a number of  Tongan workers were previously sent home after absconding from their employers.  

In 2017, we reported that two Tongan workers disappeared with a company vehicle before being discovered in Auckland and sent home.

Despite Tonga’s failure to fulfil New Zealand’s demands to return its hundreds of RSE workers being stuck in the country because of the Covid restrictions, the Ardern Government had recently announced that RSE workers from Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu would travel to New Zealand without undergoing a two-week stay in managed isolation.

Police make public appeal for help to find missing man Atonio Finau for three weeks

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police continue to appeal for help from the public to find 65-year-old Otahuhu man Atonio Finau.

Atonio Finau. Photo/Supplied

The family of Mr Finau have not heard from him since the 16 November, and have concerns for his welfare.

Police were notified last week and despite a number of enquiries being carried out, his whereabouts remains unknown.
Mr Finau was last known to be in the Laingholm and New Lynn areas.
The photo of Mr Finau sitting shows the clothing he was last known to be wearing.

The photo of Mr Finau sitting shows the clothing he was last known to be wearing.

If anyone knows where he is, or has information that may help find him, we ask them to please call Police on 105 and quote file number 211203/4366.

First photo emerges as Sovaleni gets support of 11 MPs; Tu‘i’onetoa allegedly withdraws from premiership race 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Premiership candidate Siaosi Sovaleni’s faction has confirmed this evening they have 12 MPs altogether in the lead up to the election of the Prime Minister-designate. 

Interim Education Minister Sovaleni, Interim Minister of Justice Samiu Vaipulu, Ha’apai Governor Viliami Manuopangai, MP Sevenitini Toumo’ua, MP Sangster Saulala, MP Dr Saia Piukala, Interim MEIDECC Minister Poasi Tei, MP Tevita Pulokai, MP Dr Viliami Latu and Interim Minister of Labour and Economic Development Tatafu Moeaki. Photo/ MP Tevita Fatafehi Puloka (Facebook)

They provisionally only need two MPs before winning the election without the support of the nobility MPs. 

The faction met in Kolomotu’a today before the statement was posted to Facebook by Tongatapu 1 MP Tevita Fatafehi Puloka. 

The post was accompanied by a photo which appeared to show 10 MPs including Interim Education Minister Sovaleni, Interim Minister of Justice Samiu Vaipulu, Ha’apai Governor Viliami Manuopangai, MP Sevenitini Toumo’ua, MP Sangster Saulala, MP Dr Saia Piukala, Interim MEIDECC Minister  Poasi Tei, MP Tevita Puloka, MP Dr Viliami Latu and Interim Minister of Labour and Economic Development Tatafu Moeaki. 

The post also said two MPs missing from the photo were MP Semisi Fakahau and MP Veivosa Taka. 

“It’s clear 12 MPs are supporting Siaosi Sovaleni to become the Prime Minister”, the post read in Tongan. 

“MPs in the photos attend our meeting at the Longoteki ‘A e Tangata ‘Isileli in which the total number of our members was confirmed. 

This group wishes that all other MPs join us so we can make just one group before we ask for the support of the chiefs”. 

Withdrawal 

Meanwhile, Interim Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa appeared to have pulled out of the election due to lack of supports for him, something which definitely affected the requirement by law for two other MPs to nominate and support him as a candidate, an anonymous newly elected MP told Kaniva. Tu’i’onetoa could not be reached for comment. 

As we reported yesterday, Tu’i’onetoa only got one support from the MPs, apparently MP Vatau Hui, after the rest of his interim ministers appeared to have left him in the lurch. 

Tu’i’onetoa was said to have joined premiership candidate Dr ‘Aisake Eke’s  bloc. Our source said Dr Eke’s group has the support of four MPs including Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi also known as Dr Pingi, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, Dr Tu’i’onetoa and MP Vatau Hui. 

Rival MPs 

It is understood Dr Eke and Sovaleni’s rival groups were still contacting their rival MPs in an attempt to win their hearts before the Interim Speaker announced  the election date on December 14.  

It is also understood two MPs who attended Sovaleni’s meeting this afternoon told the faction they have been invited by Dr Eke’s group to join them.

ANALYSIS: Tonga in search for viable, credible PM; the best of best has yet to come

By
Kalino Latu
-

In the latest twist in the premiership election this week three serious candidates are now vying for the attention of the newly elected MPs.

Dr ‘Aisake Eke. Photo/Tonga Broadcasting Commission (Facebook)

We can now reveal that Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke is the third candidate who was picked by the third group of MPs on Friday.

The other two candidates are the interim Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and his Interim Minister of Education Siaosi Sovaleni.

It appears that Sovaleni currently got the highest number of supports from the MPs which was eight (8), Dr Eke seven (7) and Dr Tu’i’onetoa only has the support of one MP including him making it two (2), an anonymous newly elected MP told Kaniva News. The source said it can be that some MPs could switch allegiance and join the other groups this week.

Unworkable system of democracy

Tonga’s unworkable system of democracy has been proven to fail to provide a fixed political apparatus that can allow a people’s majority rule to elect the Prime Minister. This time the election of the Prime Minister will definitely have to rely on the common sense and the discretion of all the MPs.

However, this means that the growing consensus to elect the best Prime Minister could be jeopardised by the MPs’ personal interests and allegiances.

Given the situation, the simplest way to choose the best candidate is not to vote for somebody who has done or been accused of doing anything wrong.

Dr Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa. Photo/Kalino Lātū (Kaniva Tonga)

Dr ‘Aisake Eke

Dr Eke’s arrival comes as a surprise to many, especially the fact he was supported by three of the MPs who held Doctorates of Philosophy in various academic fields. Discontent with his leadership has been swirling  within the public recently.  The former Minister of Finance’s involvement with jailed government minister Akosita Lavulavu and her husband ‘Etuate Lavulavu has tainted his record.

The presiding judge in the Lavulavu case said Dr Eke “was not desirous for the truth” and could not produce any evidence of what he was saying in court in support of the Lavulavus. Although Dr Eke responded publicly and denied what the judge had said his denial backfired against him with the Tonga Law Society accusing him of a possible contempt of court. The decent thing for Dr Eke to do is to appeal the judge’s comment through a preservation of his record application.

Dr Eke agreed  with Forbe’s magazine on 13 February 2015 to pay for the then Prime  Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s interview with the publication. He was later accused of failing to inform the Prime Minister that the government had to pay US$130,000  after the Prime Minister was interviewed on February 11, 2015.

He was also accused of failing to comply with the Cabinet’s rule of collective decision when he abstained from the vote of no confidence against ‘Akilisi Pohiva, leading to his forced resignation in 2017.  His Doctor of Philosophy which was based on his thesis “An exploratory study on the quality of service in the public sector in Tonga” was awarded by the University of Southern Queensland in 2013.

Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa

The Doctor of Ministry of Christianity was notorious for his development policies which have been described as being designed to mostly benefit his and Cabinet Ministers’ constituencies. He has been accused of repeatedly misleading the public and using of hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ money for his failed national fasting and prayer programme to protect Tonga from Covid pandemic. 

Minister of Education, Siaosi Sovaleni. Photo/Facebook

The Fellow of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Australia, and former Tonga Auditor General has been accused of abusing the media and  Opposition MPs, awarding of government multi-millions contracts to companies with strong government and close family ties as well as refusing for months to deal with his jailed Cabinet Minister Akosita Lavulavu. 

Siaosi Sovaleni

The former dux of Tonga’s top High School, Tonga High School and Masters degree at Oxford and an MBA at the University of the South Pacific awardee was dismissed, along with former Minister of Finance Tevita Lavemaau, in 2017.

The then Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva was disappointed with the duo after they were allegedly involved in a conspiracy which led to King Tupou VI’s decision to dissolve Parliament and order a fresh general election that November.

However, Lord Tu’ivakanō who advised the king to dissolve the House,  denied that Sovaleni and Lavemaau knew in advance about the plan to dismiss Parliament.

Before their dismissal, Sovaleni and Lavemaau proposed to the Cabinet that TOP$60,000 be allocated to help fund the preparations for the opening ceremony of the St George Palace in 2017. The Cabinet declined the proposal but Lavemaau went ahead and instead of approving $60,000 he approved $80,000.

Scientists Say Omicron Is Spreading Faster in South Africa Than Any Other Variant

By
Sisi Latu
-

The new research indicates that the variant can spread more easily than Delta, which was previously the fastest-moving version of the virus. Omicron has been found in at least six states, mostly among travelers.

Omicron is spreading more than twice as quickly as the Delta variant in South Africa, scientists report.

 

Underscoring growing concerns about Omicron, scientists in South Africa said on Friday that the newest coronavirus variant appears to spread more than twice as quickly as Delta, which had been considered the most contagious version of the virus.

Omicron’s rapid spread results from a combination of contagiousness and an ability to dodge the body’s immune defenses, the researchers said, but the contribution of each factor is not yet certain.

“We’re not sure what that mixture is,” said Carl Pearson, a mathematical modeler at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine who led the analysis. “It’s possible that it might even be less transmissible than Delta.”

Some of these researchers had reported on Thursday that the new variant may partly dodge immunity gained from a previous infection. It’s still unclear whether, or to what degree, Omicron may evade protection conferred by the current vaccines.

The new research was posted on Twitter, and has not yet been peer-reviewed nor published in a scientific journal.

The Omicron variant has appeared in nearly two dozen countries. The United States has identified at least 10 cases in six states, and health officials say that community spread of the virus is inevitable. President Biden reiterated on Friday morning that his administration’s newest pandemic measures, announced earlier this week, should be sufficient to blunt the spread of Omicron.

The variant was first identified in South Africa on Nov. 23 and has quickly come to account for about three-quarters of new cases in the country. South Africa reported 11,535 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, a 35 percent jump from the day before, and the proportion of positive test results increased to 22.4 percent from 16.5 percent.

“It is actually really striking how quickly it seems to have taken over,” said Juliet Pulliam, the director of an epidemiological modeling center at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, who led the earlier research on immunity.

Omicron cases in particular are doubling roughly every three days in Gauteng province, home to South Africa’s densely populated economic hub and now the epicenter of the country’s fourth wave of infections, the researchers said on Friday.

In a mathematical analysis, they estimated the variant’s Rt — a measure of how quickly a virus spreads — and compared it to the metric for Delta. They found that Omicron’s Rt is nearly 2.5 times higher than that of Delta.

That figure depends not just how contagious the variant may be, but also on its ability to sidestep the body’s immune defenses once it reaches a new host. In related research published on Thursday, Dr. Pulliam and her colleagues estimated the new variant’s ability to evade immunity by looking at confirmed cases in the country through late November.

They reported an uptick in reinfections among people who had tested positive for the virus at least 90 days earlier, suggesting that the immunity gained from a previous bout with the virus was not lasting as long as it had. The increase in reinfections coincided with Omicron’s spread in the country.

The team did not confirm that the reinfections they observed were due to the variant, but said it was a reasonable assumption. A similar spike did not occur when the Beta and Delta variants were dominant, the scientists noted.

Dr. Pulliam and her colleagues estimated that the risk of reinfection with the Omicron variant is roughly 2.4 times greater than the risk seen with the original version of the coronavirus.

The rise in cases in South Africa has been accompanied by a week-over-week increase in hospital admissions, already higher than seen in previous waves, according to data from South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

But it is not yet clear whether Omicron causes more severe disease than other versions of the coronavirus. The percentage of new cases found in children younger than age 5 has also risen sharply in the country, but that may be because more adults are now immunized.

— Apoorva Mandavilli and Lynsey Chutel, New York Times

ANALYSIS: MPs splitting into three factions in latest twist could allow PTOA MPs to beat the odds  

By
Kalino Latu
-

Democratic (PTOA) spokesperson MP Semisi Fakahau says a third group of MPs has joined the race to choose Tonga’s new Prime Minister.  

Hon Semisi Fakahau

The group appears to include all the PTOA Party’s four elected MPs, namely Dr Saia Piukala, Sangstar Saulala, Veivosa Taka and Fakahau.  

In an interview with Radio FM 87.5, Fakahau confirmed the group’s existence, but did not say who its members were, just saying in Tongan “our group”.  

He said the group was originally formed to support former Speaker Lord Fakafanua to become a candidate for the premiership. Lord Fakafanua later pulled out after all the Nobility MPs agreed to stay out of the premiership candidacy or engage in any horse trading in return for seats in the new Cabinet.  

Fakahau said his group decided to pursue the premiership after Lord Fakafanua’s withdrawal.  

PTOA loss

The revelation was a relief in the PTOA after they lost both their rival leaders and majority votes in some strongholds with defeats to seven independent candidates among People’s Representatives in the November general elections.

The PTOA Party was split in the lead up to the elections with the creation of two rival groups — the PTOA People’s Board led by Siaosi Pōhiva and PTOA Core Team led by Sēmisi Sika.

PTOA top senior members, including Mateni Tapueluelu,Mo’ale Finau, Losaline Ma’asi,  PTOA People’s Board leader Pōhiva and Core Team leader Sika were all defeated.

Potential candidates 

As Kaniva News reported early this week, two other candidates for the premiership are Siaosi Sovaleni and interim Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, with the third group now has yet to name its candidate. Unconfirmed reports on Facebook by PTOA supporters named Fakahau as the party’s candidate and Dr Saia Piukala as Deputy. Some support Piukala as Prime Minster and Fakahau as Deputy.  

We said in our report on Wednesday that four MPs supported Tu’i’onetoa, while 11 MPs supported Sovaleni. Given Fakahau’s revelation this week, it appears the level of support for Tu’i’onetoa could still stand because of what appears to be some kind of mutual agreements between him and his former Cabinet Ministers. However,  support for Sovaleni has diminished, apparently after the PTOA MPs said they would no longer support him.  

The introduction of a third group to contest the election for Prime Minister could spur some Independents to support the PTOA MPs. This could be because of Fakahau’s seniority and because he is regarded as a silent, but diligent worker, highly revered locally for his years of service as a fisheries advisor to the Commonwealth Secretariat.  Dr Piukala is regarded as a well-spoken and eloquent speaker.  

The fact that horse trading with the PTOA is more likely to be a done deal given their smaller number could be a perfect determiner for some independents.  

Kingmakers 

The Noble’s representatives in Parliament are still the kingmakers because they are in the majority with nine seats. The nobility made it clear they wanted the people’s 17 MPs  to meet and stand together and make the wisest decision when they vote.  

Lord Tu’ivakano, the spokesperson for the Nobility MPs told Radio FM 87.5 they would support whichever group made the best choice.  

The numbers now give the PTOA five or six votes, Sovaleni  six or seven and Tu’i’onetoa  five. These numbers are not yet fixed and subject to changes before the election in about two weeks’ time.   

The new Prime Minister  

As we reported earlier this week there was a lot of doubt about Tu’i’onetoa’s leadership given his poor record in the past two years, during which he has been accused of a number of shortcomings.  

Sovaleni has been widely supported, given he had the highest total vote of all the other MPs. However, critics say he is too young to lead the country.  

This means the PTOA MPs and whichever independents supporting them have more opportunities to choose a candidate who might meet what the nobility MPs are looking for – the best.  

The new Prime Minister must be able to unite all the people’s MPs and pick the best to form the government, regardless of  which group they supported before the elections. 

 

ANALYSIS: MPs splitting into three factions in latest twist could allow PTOA MPs to beat the odds  

By
Kalino Latu
-
MAFF Minister Hon Semisi Fakahau

The group appears to include all the PTOA Party’s four elected MPs, namely Dr Saia Piukala, Veivosa Taka, Sangstar Saulala and Fakahau.  

In an interview with Radio FM 87.5, Fakahau confirmed the group’s existence, but did not say who its members were, just saying in Tongan “our group”.  

He said the group was originally formed to support former Speaker Lord Fakafanua to become a candidate for the premiership. Lord Fakafanua later pulled out after all the Nobility MPs agreed to stay out of the premiership candidacy or engage in any horse trading in return for seats in the new Cabinet.  

Fakahau said his group decided to pursue the premiership after Lord Fakafanua’s withdrawal.  

As Kaniva News reported early this week, two other candidates for the premiership are Siaosi Sovaleni and interim Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, with the third group now has yet to name its candidate. Unconfirmed reports on Facebook by PTOA supporters named Fakahau as the party’s candidate and Dr Saia Piukala as Deputy. Some support Piukala as Prime Minster and Fakahau as Deputy.  

We said in our report on Monday that four MPs supported Tu’i’onetoa, while 11 MPs supported Sovaleni. Given Fakahau’s revelation this week, it appears the level of support for Tu’i’onetoa could still stand because of what appears to be some kind of mutual agreements between him and his former Cabinet Ministers. However,  support for Sovaleni has diminished, apparently after the PTOA MPs said they would no longer support him.  

The introduction of a third group to contest the election for Prime Minister could spur some Independents to support the PTOA MPs. This could be because of Fakahau’s seniority and because he is regarded as a silent, but diligent worker, and highly revered locally for his years of service as a fisheries advisor to the Commonwealth Secretariat.  Dr Piukala is regarded as a well-spoken and eloquent speaker.  

The fact that horse trading with the PTOA is more likely to be a done deal given their small number could be a perfect determiner for some independents.  

Kingmakers 

The Noble’s representatives in Parliament are still the kingmakers because they are in the majority with nine seats. The nobility made it clear they wanted the people’s 17 MPs  to meet and stand together and make the wisest decision when they vote.  

Lord Tu’ivakano, the spokesperson for the Nobility MPs told Radio FM 87.5 they would support whichever group made the best choice.  

The numbers now give the PTOA five or six votes, Sovaleni  six or seven and Tu’i’onetoa  five. These numbers are not yet fixed and subject to changes before the election in about two weeks’ time.   

The new prime minister 

As we reported earlier this week there was a lot of doubt about Tu’i’onetoa’s leadership given his poor record in the past two years, during which he has been accused of a number of shortcomings.  

Sovaleni has been widely supported, given he had the highest total vote of all the other MPs. However, critics say he is too young to lead the country.  

This means the PTOA MPs and whichever independents support them have more opportunities to choose a candidate who might meet what the nobility MPs are looking for – the best.  

The new Prime Minister must be able to unite all the people’s MPs and pick the best to form the government, regardless of  which group they supported before the elections. 

Covid-19 update: 92 new community cases reported in New Zealand today

By
Sisi Latu
-

By RNZ.co.nz.

There are 92 new community cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand today.

No caption
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The Ministry of Health / Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay said 80 in Auckland, two in Waikato, one in Northland, five in Bay of Plenty, one in Lakes DHB, one in Nelson-Marlborough and two in Taranaki.

There are also three cases in Taranaki who are known contacts with an established link, bringing the total number of active cases in the region to five. The cases are isolating across three separate households.

On the advice of the public health unit, Devon Intermediate School in New PLymouth is closed today after it was linked to one of the cases. Any further locations of interest will be published on the ministry’s website.

There are 79 people with Covid-19 in hospital, with four still being assessed and nine in intensive care.

On Thursday the Ministry of Health reported 172 new community cases, in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes and the Nelson/Tasman region. Three new [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/covid-19/457076/three-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-new-plymouth cases of Covid-19 were later revealed in New Plymouth.

About 1400 school teachers refuse Covid-19 vaccination

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By John Gerritsen of RNZ.co.nz 

Education Ministry figures indicate just 2.4 percent of school teachers, about 1400 people, have refused the Covid vaccination.

No caption
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The ministry said responses from 94 percent of schools indicated nearly 98 percent of teachers and 95 percent of other staff were vaccinated.

Official figures showed there were 62,600 teachers working in state and state integrated schools, last year and a further 9000 relief teachers so a vaccination rate of nearly 98 percent would translate to more than 1400 unvaccinated teachers.

The ministry warned that its figures were not definitive.

Tai Tokerau had the lowest reported vaccination rates at 93 percent, indicating the region had about 100 teachers refusing the jabs.

Schools in Bay of Plenty and Waiariki reported a vaccination rate of 96 percent for teachers, while Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast and Taranaki, Manawatū, Whanganui reported rates just under 97 percent.

The ministry said Wellington had the highest vaccination rate for registered teachers at 98.3 percent, followed by Canterbury/Chatham Islands, Auckland and Otago/Southland which all had teacher vaccination rates of at least 98 percent.

The ministry said very few schools required its help with staffing as a result of the vaccine mandate.

Since 16 November, unvaccinated staff have been banned from schools and early learning centres. All staff who have contact with children must be fully vaccinated by 1 January 2022.

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