Delta derailed 2021, here’s hoping for a better 2022

2021 was not the year anyone expected and was largely shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Vaccines – using technology that has been developed over the past few decades – were rolled out, but misinformation and distrust undermined vaccination efforts globally.  The emergence of the more contagious Delta variant changed the COVID-19 landscape.  Many countries which had successfully maintained an elimination strategy while waiting for vaccine production to ramp up, including NZ, were forced to change tack once the virus eventually evaded tightly-controlled international borders.  Supply chain shortages became even worse over the past year as international shipping struggled to cope with demand.  As a result, inflation reared its ugly head, adding another twist for policy makers to contend with. But in NZ – despite the Delta outbreak and the awful 100+ day lockdown Auckland endured – we are ending the year on a somewhat positive note.  Like Australia, NZ saw pleasingly-strong vaccine take-up.  As a result of high vaccination rates, COVID-19 case numbers are falling in Auckland despite an easing in restrictions.  Vaccination remains the way for our economy to move to a ‘new’ normal and avoid lockdowns.  Many New Zealanders socialise outdoors through summer, and this should also keep the virus somewhat manageable for the next few months.