Everyone included in the policy is required to have had their first Covid-19 vaccination by February 11 and to have had their second by March 11.

Constabulary staff, authorised officers and recruits were already covered under the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021 that required a first vaccination by January 17, 2022.

Ahead of the February 11 deadline, Police has been encouraging those who are yet to be vaccinated to get their first dose.

At the time of going to print, only about 150 police officers, spread throughout the districts, were still unvaccinated against Covid-19, equating to a 98 per cent first-dose vaccination rate across the organisation.

Police Association president Chris Cahill says the association is conscious that its membership is large and that members hold a spectrum of beliefs. In terms of the Government health order and the new policy requiring Police staff to be vaccinated, he stresses this is a legal issue, not a medical or moral judgment.

“We acknowledge that this is a difficult time for everyone. While the vast majority of members are vaccinated, we have been contacted by members who don’t want to be vaccinated or object in principle to the Government mandate or a policy requiring compulsory vaccination.

“We have also been contacted by members who don’t wish to work with anyone who is not vaccinated.

“For that reason, we are focused on ensuring that members’ legal rights are complied with, and that fair and reasonable employment processes are undertaken.”

The association has responded to members who have raised concerns, but cannot contact individual members who have been affected as it doesn’t have health information on individual member’s vaccination status. Members seeking support are encouraged to contact the association.

Police Association senior legal adviser Liz Gooch says members have been told that the association does not believe that the legitimacy of the Government mandate can be successfully challenged. “The policy can reasonably and legitimately be implemented, but it is essential that a fair and reasonable process is followed,” she says.

The association has reiterated that it will not fund any external legal advice sought by members or support any claims that have little to no chance of succeeding in law.

Under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, every person has the right to refuse to undergo medical treatment. This includes vaccinations. However, that does not protect anyone from the consequences of making that decision. Although your employer cannot compel you to be vaccinated, they may be legally justified in terminating your employment if vaccination is required.

Before this occurs, a fair process must be followed, and Police is currently engaging with affected staff, including giving consideration to alternative employment arrangements.

As has happened in other industries, “no jab, no job” may be the reality for some members later this month as those who decide not to get vaccinated or do not get an exemption and cannot be redeployed have their employment terminated.

This is a distressing and uncertain time for some members and the association will work with those who need support (email [email protected]).

Assistance is also available from Police wellness officers or confidentially through the Employee Assistance Programme (0800 327 669). Police has provided an email for staff who have questions about their employment status: [email protected].