NZ Cricket lobbied top medico for vaccines

New Zealand's top doctor was given VIP treatment at the Black Caps win over Australia, where he was personally lobbied by the sport's top brass for access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

As the New Zealand government puts the final touches on its vaccination rollout plan, Ashley Bloomfield, the Director General of Health, enjoyed rare privileges from New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

NZC is eager to obtain vaccines - and soon - so players can fulfil overseas obligations in coming months, including the Indian Premier League and World Test Championship final.

While the Kiwis routed Australia by seven wickets on Sunday, Dr Bloomfield met executives including CEO David White at Wellington's Sky Stadium and mingled with players after their historic win.

In response, the Ministry of Health said Dr Bloomfield gave a personal pledge the matter would be considered by government.

"Dr Bloomfield attended the Black Caps game on Sunday 7 March in a private capacity and talked to NZ Cricket CEO David White while there. No formal discussions were held," a spokesman told AAP.

"Dr Bloomfield undertook to take the matter of players potentially being vaccinated prior to travel for consideration as part of planning for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

"No other commitments or decisions were made."

Deputy Prime Minister and Sport Minister Grant Robertson confirmed the government was considering the plight of athletes that need to compete overseas, which will soon include Olympic athletes in time for July's Games.

"The government is working its way through how we could do that. Not just for sportspeople either," he said

"We've got a sequencing framework that we're working our way through."

Like many public health officials, Dr Bloomfield became a much-loved figure during the pandemic for his plain-spoken advice.

He appeared alongside Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at daily 1pm press briefings during lockdown to give the latest infection numbers and health guidance.

In response, Kiwis wrote tribute songs to the 54-year-old, put his image on shop windows and tea towels, wrote fan fiction and baked cakes with icing baring his resemblance.

However, Dr Bloomfield's actions prompted his boss - NZ's Public Service Commissioner - to pull him aside for a 'please explain'.

The public service code of conduct requires state servants to "decline gifts or benefits that place us under any ... perceived influence".

Commissioner Peter Hughes queried Dr Bloomfield on Tuesday but was satisfied with his response.

"Dr Bloomfield is well aware of the rules, has a strong record of full compliance, and has assured me that in this instance he has again complied with the guidance, including declaring the invite from NZ Cricket," Mr Hughes said.

"I take him at his word."

The government is currently vaccinating border workers, their families and health workers.

Ms Ardern said further details of the vaccine rollout plan will come on Wednesday.

On Monday, AAP revealed NZC said it had held "very positive discussions" with the government over securing vaccine doses for the Black Caps.

Any decision on cricketers receiving advance vaccine will need to be made within days.

The Pfizer treatment requires 21 days between the two doses, and many Kiwi stars are due in India at the start of April for the Indian Premier League.

They won't return home before playing two Tests in England and the World Test Championship final in June.