Factors influencing individual ability to follow physical distancing recommendations in Aotearoa New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population survey

Longitudinal changes in juvenile and adolescent body mass indices before, during, and after the COVID‐19 lockdown in New Zealand

“…We found the largest mean within‐individual per month gains in BMI during P3 for female and male participants in all comparisons. This was anticipated because the COVID‐19 lockdown in New Zealand that occurred during P3 represented a clearly demarcated period with high levels of public adherence to comparatively strict public health restrictions, including home quarantine requirements (Mazey and Richardson 2020; Gray et al 2021). Older adolescents and adults report reductions in physical activity and increases in snacking outside of regular meals (Gerritsen et al 2021; Murphy et al 2021).…”

“…Surveys of adults in New Zealand indicate that self‐reported adherence to government implemented public health measures during lockdown was very high (Mazey and Richardson 2020; Gray et al 2021). As a consequence, physical activity declined and consumption of saturated fats, and salty and sweet snacks increased (Gerritsen et al 2021; Murphy et al 2021).…”

COVID-19 vaccine intentions in Aotearoa New Zealand: Behaviour, risk perceptions, and collective versus individual motivations

“…These included repeated use of the phrase “team of five million” to describe the population and the reo Māori phrase “he waka eke noa” which translates approximately to “we are all in the same boat” in reference to the idea that the pandemic is a collective, shared experience. These appeals to collective motivations appear to have been successful based on compliance with restrictions during this initial lockdown (although some factors limited ability to follow recommendations such as physical distancing; Gray et al, 2021 ).…”

Aggressive containment, suppression, and mitigation of covid-19: lessons learnt from eight countries

“…38 -40 During the covid-19 pandemic, New Zealanders trusted and supported the interventions implemented by their government, resulting in high compliance initially, which declined over time owing to fatigue and complacency. 41 To maintain adherence, two way community engagement through a whole-of-society approach ensures that all stakeholders understand the rationale for tightening or sustaining measures. Notably, trust and community engagement are integral when technology is involved in contact tracing.…”