Representation, COVID-19, and failed metaphor: A critical analysis of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board vaccine booklet

This paper will critically analyse the Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s (BOPDHB) controversial vaccine booklet, which featured mataora-adorned cartoon images COVID-19 virus. imagery caused a furore with anecdotal evidence from social media suggesting that Māori were outraged by portrayal in this way.
 offer two arguments. The first argument builds on Hokowhitu’s (2001) work, deconstructed representations as animalistic, savage-barbarian, physical-unintelligent, mythical, bewildered-childlike, and romanticised-noble. extend analysis deconstructing representation disease-virus. While it is impossible to understand BOPDHB’s intentions, second posits objective might have been use concept taniwha metaphor for COVID-19. Though significantly weaker than first, still warrants some exploration, even if only provide sense balance paper.