University of Canterbury students have come out in full force to get a vaccine and a free hamburger. Photo / George Heard
University of Canterbury students have come out in full force to get a vaccine and a free hamburger.
Drop-in clinics are being held at the university's Haere-roa building between 11am and 5pm today and tomorrow. They are open to the wider community as well as students.
Hundreds of people could be seen at the clinic on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the university told the Herald that, along with the burgers, music will also be playing at the clinic to create a "fun and festival-like atmosphere".
The idea was discussed during the early planning stages of the event.
President of the Te Akatoki Māori students' association Rosa Hibbert-Schooner said they wanted as many students vaccinated as possible.
"The big thing at the moment is we want more youth to get vaccinated. A huge population for us is Maori and Pacific as well.
"We just need our young people to come together. We've made it really accessible."
Along with free hamburgers, a number of spot prizes were up for grabs including a UE Wonderboom.
"You're going to lectures and can get a vaccine. It's the most accessible way for most of our students and it's safe and trustworthy with the support we have.
76 per cent of Cantabrians have had their first jab as of Tuesday.
Canterbury businesses have teamed up on a campaign to have 90 per cent of the region vaccinated with at least one dose by Labour Weekend.
The agencies involved in the campaign, "90% Canterbury – we're worth it", include marketing and communications company Harvey Cameron, the Canterbury Clinical Network, the Canterbury District Health Board and the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.
Traffic exiting SH16 via Rosebank and Pātiki road off-ramps is being turned around.