Book your getaways, because the Government seems dead-set on letting New Zealanders go to the bach this summer - doubling-down on a commitment to set double vaccinated Aucklanders free.
But they might not have anywhere to party, with one of the key summer festivals, Rhythm and Vines, in jeopardy due to vaccination rates.
East Coast MP Kiri Allan told The AM Show on Friday the gates to Rhythm and Vines may stay locked this year, unless Tairāwhiti hits 90 percent double-vaccination.
Locals Newshub spoke to had mixed views, with some highlighting how important the gig is for the local economy, while others said health comes first.
"A lot of people down here rely on Rhythm and Vines - not everybody, but a lot do," one person said, echoed by another: "It would be a shame for the Gisborne region if it does get cancelled."
But one person added: "If it's a matter of saving lives, then it's not a bad thing."
The Rhythm and Vines team said in a statement they were "100 percent focussed on delivering the festival this New Year as planned" but in the current environment, would "require the traffic light system to be in place, and for settings to be 'orange' or 'green' in order for the event to go ahead".
"As per the Government framework, this would require every DHB to achieve 90 percent vaccination rates, including the local Tairāwhiti DHB."
Allan acknowledged the event is important for the region.
"It's a big part of the national calendar," she told The AM Show. "I would like to see it go ahead, but we do need to get to those 90 percent vaccination rates."
The pace isn't picking up. At the current rate, Tairāwhiti is projected to take until mid-January.
"There are DHBs that at this stage aren't projected to make it by Christmas," Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told the 1pm press conference.
"I'd also note that as of today every single DHB in the country has 80 percent first doses. We are making good progress, but yeah, that's why we built in the November 29 check-in."
It's the second dose rate that counts. Tairāwhiti has the lowest rate and locals are not confident they'll get to 90 percent.
"I just dont think they'll hit that number," one person said.
"Targeting people in outlying areas might be something that needs to be looked at," said another.
But the region also has one of the smallest eligible populations, so the task may be achievable. At this stage, 65 percent have had both doses - 10,362 more and they hit 90 percent.
As a comparison across all three of Auckland's DHBs, 82 percent are double-dosed. The city needs 112,538 more jabs to hit 90 percent - 100,000 teeny needles away from freedom and the summer we all want.
Robertson said the Government is committed to Aucklanders being able to travel this summer, wherever they want.
"That's what we're working towards," Robertson said. "That's the commitment we've made."
They're working toward it but there's no plan how it'll work practically if vaccine checks and tests are required. COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins suggested a booking system with travel time slots, which was widely ridiculed.
Robertson wouldn't rule it out.
"Well that's, as I've said, I don't think that's a particularly practical way of doing it."
The Government is doing everything it can to get us all to 90 percent so there's no border needed.
A Government ad suggests you need a vaccine for everything... Yes, everything.
"Two shots to share a feed... Two shots to do the deed," it says.
Robertson seemed fine with it, as long as it encourages vaccinations.
"People need all manner of different incentives in order to be vaccinated... Whatever it takes."
And clearly, it takes two.
