It seems the Labour party led by Ardern is going to be kicked out. Deserve to be on their covid moves; no idea how bad or good the alternative is though.
Just a reminder of how hard it was to get an exemption. You almost had to be dead to get one.
From the Epoch Times (paywalled but you can find the link if you want).
ED
Vaccine Exemptions Refused to Public
Under New Zealand’s former Director-General of Health Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, who worked closely with former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and current Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, vaccine exemptions were denied to severely injured individuals, with officials continuing to recommend second doses and boosters.
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The ministry refused an Auckland man’s exemption request despite significant health changes following his first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, according to an NZ Herald report. He experienced a 40 percent increase in his resting heart rate to more than 90 beats per minute and lost mobility due to muscular inflammation.
His general practitioner referred him to a cardiologist who advised it was possible he developed myocarditis—inflammation of the heart—following his first vaccination.
According to the report, Dr. Bloomfield refused the man’s exemption without further explanation despite the man’s support from two medical professionals.
“I am not satisfied, based on the evidence or other information provided, that you meet the specified COVID-19 vaccination exemption criteria,” Dr. Bloomfield allegedly wrote in a letter.
A ministry spokesperson acknowledged the man’s desired outcome hadn’t been achieved but wouldn’t comment further, saying it was inappropriate to comment publicly on a person’s medical circumstances.
In a similar case, Sue McIntyre requested an exemption after developing Bell’s palsy, a usually temporary facial paralysis, following her first COVID-19 vaccine dose, 1News reported.
Auckland allergy specialist and clinical immunologist Rohan Ameratunga wrote a letter stating he had “reviewed” Ms. McIntyre’s case and “would agree she should not have a second vaccine at this stage.”
But Dr. Bloomfield declined her application, offering the AstraZeneca vaccine as an alternative for her second dose or “supervised administration.”
The ministry’s letters did not offer any explanation for why Ms. McIntyre’s exemption was denied, simply stating that “there are only rare circumstances a person is unable to receive the Pfizer vaccine.”
Despite Ms. McIntyre’s waiving her privacy and giving permission for the ministry to discuss her case, the ministry cited the Privacy Act and refused to answer 1News’ questions about her application.