It's hoped the Covid-19 case in Marlborough will push people in the South Island to get vaccinated

A man's isolating after returning a weak positive result, as are his close contacts.

He arrived on Thursday from Rotorua and is thought to be linked to the Te Awamutu cluster.

Marlborough Chamber of Commerce general manager, Pete Coldwell, says the shock case is the kick up the backside the South Island needs.

He says South Islanders have felt isolated from the virus and lived a relatively normal life over the past 12 months.

Coldwell hopes the new case prompts the unvaccinated to now get the jab.