Phil Goff
Auckland, August 15, 2021
Events remind us of our Covid-19 status
Dignitaries, Sponsors, Winners and some guests at the Seventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts and Culture Awards on August 2, 2021
Jai Hind and best wishes for India’s Independence Day this year.
After celebrations were interrupted last year because of the resurgence of Covid-19 and Auckland’s return to Level 3 lockdown, it will be good to once again join with Auckland’s Indian community to mark this special occasion in 2021.
Indian Independence Day is a time to remember and acknowledge those who led India to independence in the years leading up to 1947. Foremost among these leaders was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the man whose commitment not only to independence but also to non-violent activism, social justice and world peace continues to inspire us today.
Independence Day is also a time to celebrate the contribution that our Indian community makes to the vibrancy, diversity and success of our city.
Members of the Indian community are achieving growing success as entrepreneurs, business leaders, sportspeople and community workers.
Some of these achievements were celebrated in early August at the Seventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts and Culture Awards Ceremony, which was a pleasure to attend. Hundreds of people from across Auckland gathered to applaud achievements by members of our Indian and South Asian communities and enjoy traditional and contemporary music, dance and entertainment.
Pandemic-affected countries
The event was a reminder of how fortunate we are in New Zealand to have essentially eliminated Covid-19 within our borders. Sadly, the virus continues to spread rapidly in many other parts of the world, and our thoughts are with those, including in India, Australia and Fiji, who continue to be affected by the pandemic.
Our ability to live life largely free from Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns relies heavily on everyone continuing to follow health guidelines. We have seen from recent outbreaks in New South Wales and Victoria how quickly the new delta variant of the virus can spread if it is able to take hold in the community.
Health and Hygiene
Please keep up with all the health and hygiene practices learned over the past 18 months. This includes staying home and getting a test if you’re sick, washing your hands regularly, and tracking your movements with the NZ Covid Tracer App. Remember that everyone is required to wear a mask on public transport.
Another important means by which you can keep yourself, your family and your communities safe is by getting a Covid-19 Vaccine when it is your turn. The Vaccine is safe, free for everyone one and the best means of defence against a further outbreak of the virus.
As at the start of August, 2.1 million vaccine doses have been administered to New Zealanders, which is great progress but we need to keep up the good work to ensure as many people as possible are vaccinated.
If you are aged 50 or over, or you are in Groups 1, 2, or 3, you can book your Covid-19 vaccination now. Bookings for the rest of New Zealand will open soon in age bands, from oldest to youngest. If you are not eligible to book yet, you can register online so that you get a reminder when it is time to make an appointment.
Visit www.covid19.govt.nz for more information and to book your vaccine.
Phil Goff is Mayor of Auckland. He writes a regular Column in Indian Newslink.
