Harete Hipango is in the news again, this time for posing with a group of anti vaxxers and posting a photo and making some pretty way out there comments on social media.
As reported by David Fisher in the Herald in this paywalled article Hipango on social media has accused the Government of cover-ups in pursuit of “sinister” objectives and that “treasure freedoms of movement, choice and speech”. She also said “I’ll probably get roasted for this” as she took a selfie at a anti vax protest.
National leader Chris Luxon has stated that Hipango will not make further posts that could be construed as anti-vax.
But you have to wonder if she is now at strike two in terms of attending anti vax rallies. Because last November she attended another anti vax rally in Whanganui, one aimed at Jacinda Ardern. When asked by media at the time she said that she thought the rally was a protest against something else. She must have missed all those signs and chanting.
Hipango and Luxon have both made statements. From Radio New Zealand:
Harete Hipango said: “I have taken down the Facebook post I made earlier today – it has been pointed out to me that it could convey an anti-vaccination message which was never my intention.
“I am vaccinated, and like the rest of the National Party I strongly support vaccination for our whānau and communities.”
National Party leader Christopher Luxon said he had had a word with Hipango.
“I have talked to Harete and she has taken her post down. The views of the group she was with do not align with those of the National Party.
“I am strongly supportive of vaccination, as is the National party. I encourage everyone to take that step as the best protection, for themselves and their family, against Covid.”
She is National’s and Luxon’s problem. I suspect next strike she will be out.
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