Those from Auckland should be welcomed

Well, herewe are again at level 1. Aneventdeemednot newsworthy enough FORTVNZ1 to break from its broadcast of Emmerdaleonmonday whenthe alert level changewas announced but hugely significant for the rest of us.

Industries have been crying out for a change inlevels for several weeks, with level 2 restrictions crippling somebusinesses.

Themost significant change to life for the rest of us innewzealand is thatwecan get together again.

Events such as weddings, funerals, sporting events, concerts, clubs, church congregations can all nowtake place. One such event where thousands are expected to get together is Rotorua’s marathon.

Themarathon, set to take place this weekend, is a race that is fixed

While we should all still remain vigilant,

is it sad that Aucklanders should be targeted as potential lepers.

onmanyrunners’ calendars but organisers this year havemadethe controversial decision to exclude runners from Auckland, citing level 2 restrictions are still in place even though they are allowed to travel.

In the past Aucklanders have good-naturedly suffered through jokes referring to themas jafas and other potshots but sadly, they are nowseen bysomeas pariahs.

Theministry of Health is warning that hospitality, tourism and transport workers in parts of the country where Aucklanders are likely to visit in large numbers should be prepared to be tested if they need to.

Whileweshould all still remain vigilant, is it sad that Aucklanders should be targeted as potential lepers.

Iwas saddened to read lastweek that an Auckland couplewasturned awayat a pizzeria in Dunedin after itwasdiscovered where they were from. The couple say they were not a health risk, but the restaurant refused to budge onits stance.

This iswrong.

Surely level 2 restrictionsmean a restaurant or anyother establishment should be able to serve its customers safely— regardless of where they’re from?

I opined last weekthatcovid is a tricky, sneaky virus andnowis not the time to relax, butwecan still be kind and treat our Auckland visitors with respect and hospitality. The reality is thatweneed Aucklanders.

Weneedthem to spend their moneyin the regions— not just Auckland. Andweshould be doing allwe can to helpthem do that.