6 October 2021

Kia ora koutou katoa,

In the last few days there have been a number of announcements from Government on COVID-19. There has been a lot to take in.

Case numbers have fluctuated. This is to be expected with the Delta variant of COVID-19 being highly contagious. In addition we have seen some cases in Waikato. We have heard about some restrictions being eased in Auckland, and we have seen vaccination rates continue to rise.

Looking at the whole picture there are reasons to be positive and things that are concerning. I know for many people, recent events will have added to the stress they have been feeling.

Although Aucklanders now have some more freedoms, our largest city remains at Alert Level 3. Talking to friends and colleagues in Auckland, being under lockdown for so many weeks takes a mental toll. People in parts of the Waikato have also found themselves in lockdown - something that will have been unsettling. Please remember that support with mental health is available for anyone that needs it. Feeling stressed, or down is a perfectly normal reaction and it is no bad thing to ask for help.

I hope that we can get back to a level of normality before too long. And I would like to pay tribute to everyone in Auckland, and now parts of the Waikato for following the rules and keeping everyone safe. Thank you.

I have summarised the key recent announcements below.

Auckland remains at Alert Level 3 with some restrictions eased

On Monday afternoon we heard the good news that Government is introducing a 3-step plan to ease Alert Level 3 restrictions in Auckland.

This will mean friends and whānau will be able to reconnect with each other and eventually start to enjoy recreation, outings, and shopping at safe limits.

Step 1 is now in place. Auckland remains at Alert Level 3, but:

• outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people from no more than two households can go ahead
• travel anywhere in the Auckland region for exercise, sports or recreation outdoors is allowed
• early learning centres can reopen to all children, with a maximum of 10 children in each bubble. 

Everyone is encouraged to wear a face covering whenever they leave the house.

Steps 2 and 3 lift more restrictions. No timetable for the introduction of these steps has been set. Decisions will be made based on case numbers and public safety.

More information on the 3 step plan can be found on the official covid19 website.

Parts of Waikato under Alert Level 3

On Sunday two positive cases of COVID-19 emerged in Raglan and Hamilton East. As a result some parts of Waikato have moved to Alert Level 3. The areas at Alert Level 3 are Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Ngāruawāhia, Hamilton City and some surrounding areas.

The official covid19 website has a map of the boundaries.

These areas will remain at Alert Level 3 for 5 days from 11:59pm on Sunday 3 October. 

Vaccination is our best defence

One thing is clear. Getting everyone vaccinated is the best way we can deal with COVID-19 and keep people safe. It is also our ticket to open our borders and avoid the lockdowns we have experienced and continue to live with in Auckland.

Half of the eligible population is now fully vaccinated. Almost another 30 per cent have had their first dose. That is over 3.3 million people.

But there is still some way to go. We want everyone, in every community to get the protection of vaccination. Please encourage anyone who has not booked their vaccination to do so.

People can book an appointment online or by calling 0800 28 29 26. This phone line has interpreters. There are also some places where people can walk-in and get vaccinated without an appointment.

Vaccination is now open for everyone aged 12 and over.

'Vaccine passports'

Yesterday the Prime Minister announced the development of digital certificates and scannable QR codes, which will be used to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations both in New Zealand and overseas. 

This will become increasingly important as, in future large events may require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry. Some countries have also signaled that they may require proof of vaccination before letting visitors in. 

From the end of November, everyone in New Zealand will be able to access a scannable QR code as proof of vaccination and COVID-19 test results.

This will help ensure we are reducing the risk of the virus spreading at large gatherings and events over the summer and into next year.

The first phase of this work launches next week with the website My COVID Record, where people will be able to view their vaccination records. Later people will be able to use the site to download digital vaccination and COVID-19 test certificates for use in New Zealand and overseas.

We will keep you up to date with the latest information on this work.

Where to get more information

The covid19.govt.nz website remains the central source of information and updates on COVID-19. It includes comprehensive information translated into multiple languages. 

We are here to help

Our regional teams are here to help. If you need to get in touch with us, here is a list of our Regional Managers. We would be delighted to talk with you. 

Northern Region (upper North Island)
Nandita Mathur - 027 299 8031

Central (central and lower-North Island)
Kudakwashe Tuwe - 027 213 5972

Southern Region (South Island)
Shane Whitfield – 029 200 4625

If you prefer, you can reach us by email at info@ethniccommunities.govt.nz

Take care of yourselves, your families and loved ones. For those in Auckland I hope you get to enjoy time outdoors with loved ones. Finally, please get vaccinated if you have not got round to it yet.

Ngā mihi nui,

Mervin Singham
Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities