Kawerau District Council 
Media Release 
For Immediate Release 
14 February 2022 

Council announces implementation date for My Vaccine Pass requirements 

Vaccine passes required at all indoor staffed venues and the pools from Monday, 21 February 2022
We have faced extraordinary circumstances over the past two years since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Throughout this time, Kawerau District Council has followed Government advice based on the best available scientific and medical evidence.
The health and safety of our staff, customers and the wider community is paramount. 
As the Covid-19 virus evolved, particularly during the Delta phase, the Council continued to review expert advice and based on that, we put in place measures to help keep our people and community safe.
With the outbreak of the Omicron variant, Council met on Friday, 28 January 2022 and decided that vaccine passes will become mandatory for the public at all indoor, staffed Council facilities to minimise the spread of Covid-19. 
The implementation date for the vaccine passes at all indoor staffed Council venues and the Maurie Kjar Memorial Swimming Pool complex will be Monday, 21 February 2022. 
We recognise that some people are concerned about having the vaccine, and that others are nervous about being exposed to unvaccinated people.
This decision takes into consideration that more than 82.5% of the Kawerau District (who are eligible) are fully vaccinated.  
Council will continue to review its position as the pandemic and Government advice changes.
In time, it is the aim of Council to return to “normal” but for now, this decision balances the health and safety needs of the majority of people in the Kawerau District and the obligations of Council as an employer under the Health and Safety Work Act. 
Council confirms that all Council staff, contractors and volunteers at all these indoor staffed areas, including the Maurie Kjar Memorial Swimming Pool Complex are fully vaccinated. 

Customers who may be impacted by the introduction of the My Vaccine Pass process, are encouraged to phone our customer servcies team on 07 306 9009 or email kaweraudc@kaweraudc.govt.nz to discuss alternative ways we can assist you. In addition, customers can visit the Council website to view more information about the My Vaccine Pass system and what areas are impacted.  

Council understands this is a considerable change for our community and we ask that people please be patient and kind as our staff implement these changes and do their best to continue providing services to our community safely.  

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For more information, please contact Kawerau District Council Communications and Engagement Manager Tania Humberstone on 027 464 3785.