21 September 2021

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Yesterday afternoon we heard some good news from the Prime Minister. At midnight tonight Auckland will move to COVID-19 Alert Level 3. 

With case numbers as they have been, a lot of people were concerned that Auckland would have to stay at Alert Level 4. It is great news that our largest city has been able to open up a little more.

I know this will bring some much needed relief and allow many more businesses to operate. From talking to people in Auckland, being able to get takeaways is also something to celebrate!

Auckland will remain at Alert level 3 until at least 4 October. Most of the rest of New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 2. The one exception is Upper Hauraki where some special arrangements are in place. You will find more on the latest announcements below. As ever, more detail is available at covid19.govt.nz.

Alert Level 3 - The golden rules

Although more businesses can operate at Alert Level 3, restrictions still remain. These are the Golden Rules.

Alert Level 3 - guidance for businesses:

• At Alert Level 3, everyone should work from home if they can
• If your business involves close physical contact, it cannot open 
• All other businesses can operate, but with restrictions. This includes:
  • meeting physical distancing requirements
  • having extra hygiene measures
  • regularly cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces
  • having contactless options for ordering, pick-up, delivery and payment
  • making sure staff, customers and visitors wear a face covering if they are required to
• If your business does not have measures in place to operate safely, then you should not open
• Business owners and operators can now safely access their premises in order to prepare for contactless opening, including to meet the public health requirements. Visit Unite Against COVID-19 to learn more.

Change to rules for Alert Level 2

The rules for Alert Level 2 remain but there has been one change. The number of people who can gather indoors has been increased to 100. This  applies to hospitality and retail businesses, as long as people can maintain appropriate physical distancing.

Arrangements for Upper Hauraki

Because of a some recent cases in Upper Hauraki, there are some special temporary rules for this area.

Anyone in Upper Hauraki needs to stay home, wear a face covering when they leave home for necessities and keep 2 metres distance from people outside of their bubble. Upper Hauraki residents should watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if they are unwell.

There are also rules for anyone who has worked, been in a household or attended an indoor gathering in Upper Hauraki since 8 September and are no longer there. People must stay home, call Healthline if they feel unwell and check locations of interest on the Ministry of Health website. 

These rules will be in place until 11.59am Friday 24 September.

Vaccination rates are rising

Vaccination rates are climbing which is great to see. Please encourage anyone who has not booked their vaccination to do so. It is the main weapon we have in keeping people safe and being able to re-open our borders.

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.

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.

Ngā mihi nui,

Mervin Singham
Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities