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17 August 2020
Kia ora koutou katoa,
I hope you had a good weekend and a chance to draw breath following the speed of last week’s events. I know the sun shone on Auckland and our team there tell me it raised people’s spirits. That is great to hear but I also know it is a stressful time for many.
Last week I asked for your feedback on the translated material on the COVID-19 website, which is now available in 28 languages. Let me start by thanking everyone who took the time to provide it. We have heard some things about the tone of the translation being quite formal. Some of you also highlighted an error in one part of the information. We have spoken to the All of Government Communications Team, who manage the COVID-19 website and they are working to fix things. This may involve material being taken down for a time while changes are made. We are meeting with the All of Government Team tomorrow to talk about translation and the needs and views of ethnic communities.
Some of you have asked for information or greater clarity on a few things. I have provided some information below, including links. There are some instances where decisions have to be made and we have been in touch with different Government agencies to make sure they are aware of what you are asking about.
NZ COVID Tracer App
We have heard from some communities, particularly those in Auckland that there is some confusion around which is the official COVID-19 Tracer App. I am appalled to hear that some people are coming across unofficial apps that charge for use. There is only one official Government App - The NZ COVID Tracer App. It is completely free. Please tell the communities you represent and work with that they should not be paying anything. Some people have also raised that some locations do not have a QR code poster on display. It is now compulsory for businesses to display a QR code and the Government has given them until Wednesday to have their poster in place. Many businesses also have books or forms where people can write their contact details down instead.
Masks and face coverings
Instructions on masks, including how to make one are available on the COVID-19 website. Demand has been high and we hope that more will be available soon.
Support for foreign nationals and temporary visas
Financial support remains in place for foreign nationals currently in New Zealand. I know that some of you are keen to know if there will be extensions to temporary visas as there was during the first lock-down. Immigration New Zealand should have news for you very soon. If anyone has any problems please contact us and we will put them in touch with one of the Immigration New Zealand Relationship Managers.
Studying at home
The Ministry of Education is working with schools in Auckland to make sure students studying from home have the devices and coursework they need. There is a particular focus on those studying for NCEA exams. Parents and students should talk to their school if they need more information.
Gatherings
As New Zealand is currently living under two COVID-19 Alert Levels, Level 3 in Auckland and Level 2 elsewhere some have asked for clarity on gatherings.
For those in Auckland:
Gatherings of up to 10 people can continue, but only for:
- wedding services
- funerals and tangihanga.
You must maintain physical distancing and public health measures.
For the rest of the country:
Gatherings allowance of up to 100 people.
Let me finish, as ever by saying that we are here for you. Our regional teams have already had a lot of conversations with you and the many communities we work with. We will keep sharing your needs and thoughts with our colleagues across Government. If you need to contact us here is a list of our Regional Managers. Please do not hesitate to call.
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
You can also contact us by email at ethnic.communities@dia.govt.nz
I will keep you up to date with key information. In the mean-time please stay safe, keep washing your hands, and look out for one another.
Ngā mihi nui
Anusha Guler
Executive Director, Office of Ethnic Communities
