This weekend at Eden Park, Kia Aroha College, Westlake Boys’ High School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ā-rohe o Māngere the Ira Dot vaccination programme will take place in a bid to get Auckland where it needs to be – 90%.
Those attending Eden Park to get dotted will have the opportunity to walk through the All Blacks’ changing room and receive their dot on the field where some of the biggest sporting legends have played.
The initiative is being supported by partners including Eden Park, Vector, 2degrees, The Blues, nib New Zealand and Du Val Group.
The idea of the dot – ‘ira’ in te reo Māori – started with the idea of a fashion trend, a dot on the sleeve like a ribbon or badge to show support, but more importantly it was about taking control of the narrative.
Chief executive of Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Whai Māia, Rangimarie Hunia, (Ngāti Whātua) says: “the word ‘ira’ means dot, spot, freckle, but it also means gene – linking it to whakapapa and whānau.
“Ira Dot is about creating a movement. One which uses kotahitanga like our ancestors did to mobilise rangatahi to get dotted.”
Go Media Director Andrea Rongonui, adds: “when Vector, one of our landlords, approached us about helping to promote the campaign we offered to double the share of voice as our contribution.
“As a company we have been working closely with OMD and the Ministry of Health, Te Puna Kokiri, Motion Sickness and the Waipareira Trust, as well as the Iwi Comms Council so we were more than happy to give a koha to support this new approach.”
