12 August 2020

Kia ora koutou katoa,

As I’m sure you will be aware, yesterday New Zealand had its first COVID-19 cases that appear to come from community transmission. As a result at noon today Auckland moved to Alert Level 3, while the rest of the country moved to Alert Level 2.

The COVID-19 website has been updated to reflect these changes. I’m pleased to say that new information has been translated into a number of different languages and these translations will be online shortly. This website remains the principal source of Government information and I encourage you and the communities you work with and represent to use it. It provides everything you need to know on staying and keeping others safe.

Having been out of lockdown for some time today may well come as a shock for some. It will certainly be unsettling – I know I am having to adjust quickly. For those who need it, there is plenty of support available. Details can be found on the COVID-19 website and I would particularly like to highlight the 1737 telephone counsellor service. It offers interpreters so everyone can take advantage of it.

Our regional teams have already been in contact with a number of you and we will continue to check-in, share information and find out what other support and information your communities may need. 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. We have already been asked about people volunteering to help others and we will check on opportunities and help find ways of making connections.

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

Central (central and lower-North Island)
Natasha Narayan – 027 268 5153

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

If you prefer, you can reach us by email at ethnic.communities@dia.govt.nz.

I hope you, your loved ones and communities stay safe and well and I will be in touch.

Ngā mihi nui
Anusha Guler
Executive Director, Office of Ethnic Communities