20 August 2021

Kia ora koutou katoa,

This afternoon we heard from the Prime Minister that we will need to remain in lockdown for a  bit longer. Some more community cases have been identified and New Zealand will remain at COVID-19 Alert Level 4 until at least 11.59pm on 24 August. 

Being under lockdown can be both frustrating and worrying. It has been a long time since we were able to travel freely to other countries and being separated from loved ones at a time like this is hard. Things are particularly difficult for our Afghan communities and my thoughts and prayers are with them.

I now meet daily with Chief Executives across Government and make sure I raise issues that are of particular interest to our communities. There is genuine interest in ethnic community welfare and we are seeing real recognition of the need for translation and support on the ground. This is heartening and reflects the work we have done with other Government agencies over the last year.

Keeping yourself and others safe - the golden rules

Getting tested for COVID-19

With more cases and locations being identified there has been a high demand for getting tested. People should get tested if they have COVID-like symptoms and/or if they were at one of the locations of interest at a time when an infected person was there. 

The list of locations of interest is on the Ministry of Health website and will be updated as new locations are identified.

Vaccination keeps going

Getting vaccinated is more important than ever. There was a short pause in vaccination while centres made arrangements to operate under Alert Level 4 but everything is back up and running. People are booking vaccination appointments in huge numbers and that is great to see.

Bookings are now open for people aged 40 and over and you can book online using bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26. The phone line has interpreters available.

An issue that ethnic community members have particularly raised is vaccine eligibility and whether overstayers can get vaccinated. We have spoken to the Ministry of Health who have confirmed that the vaccine is available for everyone in New Zealand. That includes citizens, residents, those applying for visas and those simply visiting. The vaccine is for everyone in the country.

We have also heard concerns about people having to have identification or an NHI number. We have clarified that you do not need any ID or need to be registered with the public health system. People will be asked for some basic details so the fact that they have been vaccinated can be logged and their second dose scheduled. They will not be asked for any documentation or proof of identification. Please let us know if people are being asked for ID and we will raise it with the Ministry of Health. 

Register to join the COVID-19 vaccination team

Here is a way you might be able to get involved and support your community as the vaccine rolls out. The Ministry of Health is seeking interest from people who would like to be part of the COVID-19 vaccination workforce (roles include administration, support and liaison, as well as COVID-19 vaccinators and clinical supervisors). They are looking for skills from both health and non-health backgrounds in various regions.

More information is available at the Ministry of Health website.

Support that is available

Living under Level 4 can be stressful and cause financial hardship. There is a wide range of support available from different Government agencies and organisations. Details, including a new flyer, are available at covid19.govt.nz

Support for businesses impacted by the change to Alert Level 4

Government has reactivated the financial support available to businesses impacted by the lockdown. Information, including a tool for businesses to find out what is available, can be found online.

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

Please continue to share this important information with the communities you work with and represent. 

I will continue to keep you updated as decisions are made by Government and new information becomes available. In the meantime take care of yourselves, your families, loved ones, and wider communities.

Ngā mihi nui,

Mervin Singham
Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities