Staff shortages due to anti-vax employees havoc for Reefton

Businesses in the small West Coast town of Reefton are being devastated by staff shortages due to employees refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Around 79 per cent of people in the area have had one shot of the vaccine while just 69 per cent have had both doses. Reefton business owners are also frustrated that they're having to fork out four weeks' pay for each of the staff they've been forced to let go. Kelly Stuart, who runs the Reef Cottage B&B and Cafe, says they're going to have to close for two days a week after losing five of their 10 staff. Ronnie Buckman from the Broadway Tearooms and Bakery says they've also been hit really hard. As well as hospitality businesses, the town's ambulance service and hospital have lost staff. Nick Trubridge spoke with Councillor John Bougen from the Buller District Council.