Modelling showing as many as 7,000 New Zealanders could die if we dropped most Covid restrictions when only 80 percent of the population is vaccinated, has been criticised as fearmongering.

But one of the authors of the report Professor Shaun Hendy says it's important to discuss the potential for severe consequences if restrictions are lifted.

Pacific immunologist at the University of Otago Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu has been looking at the vulnerability of Maori and Pasifika communities and joins Māni Dunlop.