A veteran of Jacinda Ardern's Labour caucus has broken ranks to support Kiwi athletes receiving COVID-19 vaccinations to travel abroad and represent New Zealand safely.
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The issue of vaccine prioritisation has hit the news as New Zealand's Black Caps need vaccinations soon to compete overseas safely.
Unlike Australia and other developed nations, Ms Ardern's government has yet to unveil its vaccine rollout plan.
Long-serving Auckland MP Louisa Wall, a former international netballer and World Cup-winning rugby player, says the issue is a no-brainer.
"I absolutely support the Black Caps being prioritised for vaccination," Ms Wall told AAP.
"Sport is an area that provides New Zealanders with much pride. To represent us to the best of their ability , we have to ensure their health and safety is maximised.
"Our sportspeople are our heroes and their willingness to vaccinate to enable that representation should also inspire other Kiwis to vaccinate as well."
Ms Ardern, as well as Sport Minister Grant Robertson, has deferred on whether sportspeople should be bumped up the queue ahead of the elderly or vulnerable.
The government is currently vaccinating border workers and their families, and front-facing health workers.
Who comes next is yet to be decided.
Opposition leader Judith Collins wants everyone to get the vaccine and quickly.
"Our sports people, our Olympians are going to be expected to undertake their work," she said.
"I'd also say there's lots of businesspeople as well who are saying they can get overseas and they've got big deals that may fall over. The faster everyone gets it, the better."
Ms Ardern said more details on the vaccine rollout will come on Wednesday.
On Monday, the government announced a purchase order for 8.5 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
Australian Associated Press
