The Chiefs are doing their part for New Zealand's 'Super Saturday' vaccination push with the offer of free entry to their first home game of next year's inaugural Super Rugby Pacific.
The Hamilton-based Super Rugby franchise are giving away free tickets to the first 1,000 people who visit one of the selected vaccination sites - listed below - in the Waikato region.
Chiefs chief executive Michael Collins says it's important for the team to show its support for the vaccination drive - a national day of action that calls on every remaining eligible New Zealander to get their shot.
Candidates will simply need to scan the Chiefs poster QR code at any of the selected sites to claim their general admission ticket to the game against an opponent yet to be confirmed.
"Rugby is a large part of our community and it is important we play our part in helping our community stay safe," says Collins.
"We are encouraging our players, coaches and staff to support their whanau, community, and themselves to get vaccinated to join those in the community who are already vaccinated."
Waikato COVID-19 vaccination programme lead Maree Munro says 'Super Saturday' is a chance for the whole community to put their combined weight behind the vaccination effort.
"People can pop down to 66 sites across the Waikato on Saturday without a booking," says Munro.
"Anyone aged over 12 who hasn't been vaccinated yet or had their first vaccination at least three weeks ago can drop in and get vaccinated on the spot."
'Super Saturday' in the Waikato was also aimed at people who were unsure about being vaccinated. Each site will have health experts on hand to answer questions.
"If you still have questions, come down and have a chat," adds Munro. "There'll be no hard sell, just plenty of answers so you have the accurate information you need to make up your own mind."
As part of the nationwide drive, Three will host a 'Super Saturday Vaxathon' - offering prizes and other incentives to encourage all Kiwis, particularly young Māori, Pasifika and those living with a disability, to get vaccinated urgently against COVID-19.
Selected Waikato vaccination sites:
Morrinsville Vaccination Centre - Campbell Hall, Knox Presbyterian Church, 45-49 Canada Street, Morrinsville, 9am - 4pm
Whakamaru School, 42 Kaahu Road, RD1 Mangakino 3492, 10am - 3pm
South Waikato Drive-thru - Tokoroa Events Centre, Mossop Road, Tokoroa, 9am-6pm
Thames Vaccination Centre - Goldfields Shopping Centre, 100 Mary Road, Thames, 9am - 4pm
Cambridge Community Marae – Nga Hau E Wha, Pope Terrace, Leamington, Cambridge, 9am - 4pm
Te Awamutu Community Vaccination Clinic, 44 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu 3800, 9am - 4pm
Anglican Action, 100 Morrinsville Rd, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3251, 10am - 3pm
The University of Waikato - Don Llewellyn Sports Pavillion, Silverdale Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216, 10am - 2pm
Waiora Waikato - Te Awa -The Base, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton 3200, 9am - 5pm
Melville Skate Park, Bader Drive, Melville, Hamilton, 10am-3pm
Warehouse Hillcrest, 265 Clyde Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, 10am-4p
