MEDIA RELEASE

Important Community Update

Temporary Closure of Non-Essential Council Services

Please be advised that due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Kawerau District Council has closed all non-essential services to the public.

The closure is to protect staff and members of the public because over the weekend the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has risen significantly in New Zealand.

This prompted the government to implement a four-stage COVID-19 Alert Level. New Zealand is currently at Level 2 – Reduce Contact.

Therefore, the Council will temporarily close the following facilities until further notice:

• Council Offices
• Public Toilets
• Kawerau i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
• Maurie Kjar Memorial Swimming Pool Complex
• Kawerau Library and Museum
• Firmin Lodge
• Recreation Centre
• Bert Hamilton Hall
• Town Hall
• Concert Chambers
• Cricket Pavilion
• Netball Pavilion
• Tarawera Park amenity

If you are a user of these facilities, please contact your members to advise them of this temporary closure.

Council is putting plans in place to ensure essential services continue in the Kawerau district.

Any Council staff who have been deemed vulnerable or at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 have been redeployed to work from home.

Council provides online services via its website www.kaweraudc.govt or phone the Council staff on 07 306 9009 who can assist you over the phone.

Council is putting all its emergency plans in place and will continue to offer essential services only - water, wastewater, sewerage, rubbish, dog attacks and cemetery services.

For any essential services please phone 07 306 9009.

Ministry of Health advice:

• New Zealand is currently at Level 3 and this will be reviewed by the Government on May 11, 2020;
• New Zealanders over 70 and those with certain medical conditions told to stay at home as much as they can to reduce the risk of contact with the virus;
• Workplaces are being advised to implement plans to reduce person-to-person contact, including working from home where possible;
• Limit all non-essential domestic travel;
• Continue high hygiene practices such as washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and dry thoroughly;
• Stay home if unwell;
• Use safe coughing and sneezing techniques (into your elbow);

For more information please visit the www.covid19.govt.nz website

If you’re unsure of who to contact for help, call the free government helpline on 0800 779 997 (8am to 1pm, 7 days a week).

If you need help to access food or essential supplies please phone 0800 884 222.