In an earlier interview Mahelino described the shocking restrictions imposed on his life by the previous regime of Ross Ardern, father of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, as a result of his decision not to receive the novel COVID mRNA vaccination.

The problems for Mahelino continue following Ross Ardern’s departure, as island authorities who sided with Ardern’s policies threaten to cut off communications and blame him for putting future infrastructure projects funded by New Zealand at risk.