Health Coalition Urges Measles Precautions for Kapa Haka Event

Public health officials are urging attendees of the upcoming National Primary Schools Kapa Haka competition in Tauranga to take precautions against measles. This recommendation follows the reporting of 13 measles cases across New Zealand during the current outbreak. The event, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday, is expected to attract large crowds, intensifying concerns about the spread of the virus.

Dr. Nina Bevin from the National Hauora Coalition highlighted the issue during a recent hui with Māori and Pacific general practitioners. During this meeting, the potential health risks associated with the week-long kapa haka event were discussed. Dr. Bevin noted, “We’ve had some assurances from the National Public Health Service. They’ve been working with the organising committee of the event, and there will be on-site immunisation providers and health services.”

In addition to providing vaccination services, health officials will also require participants to verify their vaccination status before travelling to Tauranga. This precaution aims to minimize the risk of measles transmission during the high-profile event.

Dr. Bevin advised that parents with children under one year of age should exercise caution when considering attendance at large gatherings like this. “I’d definitely be concerned if I had an under one-year-old in my whānau and I was travelling to that event,” she said. “We know our young tamariki are particularly at risk of severe outcomes if they do get measles.”

The health expert emphasized the importance of community responsibility in combating the spread of measles. “Measles is a very serious illness. We need to act now to protect our whānau and our mokopuna from measles,” she stated. Dr. Bevin encouraged individuals born after 1969 to check their vaccination status, underscoring the need for two doses of the measles vaccine. “If you haven’t had two doses of the measles vaccine, go get another dose. It’s safe to have additional doses; there’s no harm,” she affirmed.

Individuals can verify their vaccination details with their general practitioner or health care provider. Alternatively, they can contact the vaccination helpline at 0800 28 29 26 for assistance.

As the Kapa Haka competition draws near, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and health of all participants and attendees. With proactive measures in place, health authorities hope to mitigate the impact of this measles outbreak during a culturally significant event.