Select few got Covid T-shirts
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson and Government ministers were some of the few people to receive one of the Government’s “Unite Against Covid-19” T-shirts.
The Government spent $8375.50 from the Covid-19 group’s public engagement budget on the shirts.
They were printed in English and te reo Ma¯ ori, alongside a Pasifika-themed version, by Bluestar Printing and were made in collaboration with Australian-based consultancy firm Clemenger BBDO, which was behind the famous “Ghost Chips” drink-driving prevention ad campaign.
Information released under the Official Information Act showed Williamson was the only national sport star to be given one of the 470 shirts as at March 31, commissioned by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins was also given one, which he wore while getting his first vaccination jab on March 31. Associate health minister Peeni Henare also got a number of shirts to hand out during marae visits.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples received 100 shirts for Pasifika festivals in Wellington and Auckland.