22 February 2021

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Earlier today the Prime Minister announced the good news that Auckland will join the rest of the country at COVID-19 Alert Level 1 at midnight tonight. Let us hope we can avoid having to change Alert Levels again - unless it's to zero!

Helping keeping ourselves, each other and the country safe

To help us stay at Alert Level 1 there are some things every Kiwi should be doing:

• Washing our hands
• Using the NZ COVID Tracer app
• Staying home if we feel ill. 

If you have COVID-19 like symptoms please stay home and call your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice about getting tested.

Wearing face masks/coverings is now mandatory on public transport

The Government also announced today that face masks/coverings will remain mandatory on public transport across all of New Zealand under Alert Level 1.

Public transport includes buses, trains, ferries (excluding Cook Strait ferries) and domestic flights.

Taxi and Uber drivers are required to wear face coverings. While it's not mandatory for passengers, it is encouraged.

There are some exemptions and face masks/coverings do not need to be worn:

• By those under the age of 12
• By students on school buses
• On buses or trains with allocated seating
• On private flights
• By those with a disability or other condition that makes wearing a face mask/covering unsuitable.

The official COVID-19 website remains the place to get the latest information. You'll also find material in multiple languages.

We're here to help

As ever 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 ethnic.communities@dia.govt.nz.

The first vaccinations in Aotearoa New Zealand took place on Saturday. There's a long way to go as vaccination is rolled out but it's nice to think that we're on the way.

Take care of yourselves, your families, loved ones, and wider communities. We'll keep you up to date if things change.

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