6. Question No. 6—COVID-19 ResponseTANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North) to the Minister for COVID19 ResponseQuestion No. 6—COVID-19 Response6. TANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North) to the Minister for COVID19 Response: What recent announcements has he made regarding COVID-19 vaccination passes?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response): This morning I announced that from today New Zealanders can get their official proof of vaccination the My Vaccine Pass. A separate international COVID-19 vaccination certificate which provides a proof of vaccination certificate in order to enter overseas countries can now also be requested. To obtain one people will need to be fully vaccinated or be one of the very small number of Kiwis who has received a medical exemption. People can log into My COVID Record to make a request for the free pass or call 0800 222 478. As at midday today I'm advised that 65454 people had already requested their pass. I understand that's now already over 100000. We don't want anyone to miss out so we're strongly encouraging those who have been putting off getting the vaccine to take that step now as we prepare to transition into the COVID-19 Protection Framework.Tangi Utikere: How will vaccine certificates work and where will they be used?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: My Vaccine Pass has a QR code that can be scanned upon arrival at a venue. It can be downloaded into your personal phone and stored in your Apple or Google wallet or it can be printed out and used in hardcopy. Under the COVID19 Protection Framework the pass will mean people will be able to do the things that they love including going to concerts and music festivals a night out at bars and restaurants going to the gym and going to sporting events. There are certain things under the framework where denying entry on the basis of vaccination will be prohibited however; and that includes life-preserving services such as supermarkets pharmacies and health and disability services. Proof of vaccination will also not be required in education settings—of the users of the education settings at least on public transport other than on air travel or in accessing housing and housing support services under State sector agencies. As we move towards the COVID-19 Protection Framework it's important that Kiwis understand now where these passes will apply and how important they'll be for enjoying their freedoms once the new framework comes into force.Tangi Utikere: When will the My Vaccine Pass come into use?Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The My Vaccine Pass will come into widespread use once we shift to the COVID-19 Protection Framework. That pass is the ticket to enjoy the freedoms that will come with that framework. On 29 November Cabinet will confirm the decision to move Auckland and the rest of New Zealand alongside it into the traffic light system. We expect this move to occur soon after Cabinet meets. In addition from 15 December people travelling out of Auckland who have either been fully vaccinated or who have had a negative test within the 72 hours prior to departure will be able to leave Auckland and visit other parts of the country. My Vaccine Pass will serve as proof of vaccination for that purpose. So my message to New Zealanders today is that the vaccine pass is your ticket to summer. It's essential under the traffic light system so get ready by downloading it today and if you haven't been vaccinated go and do it.