Council proposes to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for all staff

Kāpiti Coast District Council is consulting with staff on a proposal to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory across the organisation.

Chief Executive Wayne Maxwell says the Government’s decision to move away from the Elimination Strategy to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system) signals a significant change for Aotearoa and we know we’ll see cases in our community.

“Like many organisations, we have been considering our position on mandatory vaccinations, both for us and a range of other people who do work for us.

“This is an important conversation as people’s vaccination status has a major bearing on how we safely deliver our services and facilities for our community.

"We have a high number of staff working in public-facing roles which increases their chances of catching COVID-19 or spreading it to their colleagues, key stakeholders and the vulnerable communities we work with.

“For this reason, we are considering an approach to mandatory vaccination for our people. We believe this is the best way we can help keep our people safe and healthy while they are at work.”

Mr Maxwell said the proposal has been circulated to staff and they have until Wednesday 15 December to provide feedback.

“All responses will be carefully considered before a final decision is made this side of Christmas.

"We acknowledge these are unsettling times and we remain committed to providing a workplace that is safe and protects the health and wellbeing of our people, our customers and our community."