Monday 4 October 2021

Kia ora ,

The Prime Minister has announced that Auckland will remain at Alert Level 3 this week, with some additional freedoms from Wednesday 06 October, such as meeting whānau and friends outside in bubbles of up to 10, across a maximum of two bubbles.
She outlined a three-step plan for moving Auckland out of Level 3.

This means that there is no change to the way Unitec is operating. Teaching, learning and working remains online for everyone except a for a very small group of approved staff and specific classes.

During her announcement, the Prime Minister shared more details about the road map to moving Auckland out of lockdown. She noted that as more of us get fully vaccinated, we can begin to change the way we do things, including moving away from strict lockdowns. This approach relies on many of us being vaccinated as possible. Unitec strongly supports the Government’s Covid-19 vaccination programme and encourage staff and students to get vaccinated. Plans are underway to schedule the 'Shot Bro' vaccine bus to visit both campuses but in the meantime, a list of Vaccination clinics close to you can be found here.

If you have any questions around vaccinations, please visit the Government’s Covid-19 website.

The good news is that, from Wednesday, you can head to the beach or the park to meet up with another bubble of friends or whānau for a much needed dose of reconnection.

Do you need to apply for an extension on your assessment?

You may find that the prolonged periods learning from home may have impacted on your normal ability to keep up with assessments and your ability has waned. If this is the case for you, you may be eligible to request an extension of up to 14 days.

If you need an extension, have a conversation with your lecturer in the first instance prior to the date your assessment is due.

Also continue to keep your lecturer across any difficulties you might be experiencing related to your studies as there are a number of services available to you which your lecturer will be able to help with or refer you to.

Accessing Student Services

Your Student Services teams are still available to help remotely through phone, email, or Zoom while you are studying from home.

To book an appointment with one of our services call 0800 10 75 10. A list of services and information can also be found here.

Unitec Early Learning Centre (UELC)

Early Childhood Education Centres will also be able to return on Wednesday as part of the governments 3-phase roadmap. The Unitec Early Learning Centre have been preparing for this announcement and will provide a notice to all parents of tamariki of their reopening plan.

UELC staff will be strongly encouraged to participate in regular Covid-19 testing which can be performed at Te Puna Waiora, Mt Albert Campus.

Te Puna Waiora - Health and Counselling

Te Puna Waiora will remain available for phone or virtual consultations only during Alert level 3 as an essential service.

If you require a Covid-19 test, you must call ahead on 0800 10 85 10 to book an appointment. Walk-ins will not be seen.

This may be a challenging time so please remember if you need to talk, you can call or text 1737. It is FREE anytime - 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

Further support

With the governments latest announcement, Unitec continues to take guidance from the Ministry of Health in its application of Alert Level activities. Approved staff who can come onto campus onsite are being encouraged and have been having regular Covid-19 testing done. Ongoing preparation still continues in anticipation of your return with a strong focus on how and when to do so safely.

Until then, if you’re feeling anxious or need someone to talk to, please reach out to our Student Services teams and continue to manaaki each other through this time.

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