Update for Southland accommodation providers - 25 March 2020

Tēnā Koutou,

As we prepare to move to level 4 of the COVID-19 alert system, please be advised that MBIE has confirmed that campgrounds and hotels/motels are considered essential services so are allowed to remain open. We are currently waiting to hear whether this includes in-house catering and will keep you updated.

Please find below the latest information being provided to visitors from MBIE on self-isolation, an update from Emergency Management Southland and important resources and information available to you and your business at this time.  Please note that a list of camping grounds that have indicated they will stay open to accommodate visitors can be found below. Visitors should ring the provider first or call 0508 754 163 for more information on what options are available to them at this time. 

Ngā mihi
Bobbi Brown
Great South GM Tourism and Events

MBIE update: Temporary accommodation for visitors self-isolating

Below you will find the most up to date information being distributed to visitors

• Any incoming traveller from overseas is now required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of arrival into New Zealand
• There are a number of accommodation providers that have advised that they have suitable options available for self-isolation or general accommodation purposes
• The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is working with other government agencies to assist those affected in finding suitable temporary accommodation for self-isolation.
•  If you need to self-isolate and find that you cannot access suitable accommodation, please contact the Temporary Accommodation Service to register for accommodation support on 0508 754 163 
• After registering, you will be contacted by a temporary accommodation staff member who will assess your needs and work with you to help you find suitable, temporary self-isolation accommodation.
• There will be a cost for temporary accommodation and it is not income or asset tested. If you’re a New Zealand citizen, or a resident on a low income or benefit, you may be eligible for support. International visitors are also eligible for this support.

What about visitors in self contained vehicles?

We are aware that there are still a large number of visitors travelling in self-contained vehicles around New Zealand. We are encouraging these visitors to stay at a commercial camping site, if available. A number of camping grounds across Southland have indicated they are open for visitors but request that visitors phone first. Visitors will need to stay at the site for four weeks.  Visitors can self-isolate in their campervan only if it has a fully self-contained shower and toilet, and a kitchen. That means a shower you can stand up in, and toilet you can flush. Stay away from shared spaces where you might come into contact with other people (like public toilets or campgrounds). Visitors cannot self-isolate in a tent. 

What about travellers in non-self-contained vehicles?

We are suggesting that travellers in non-self-contained vehicles book into self-contained accommodation such as motels and unit etc. Please be aware that all DOC campsites are now closed and a number of Councils are closing freedom camping spots. The main point here is that whatever type of accommodation a traveller books into, they will need to stay there for the four week period. 

Important information and resources

Emergency Management Southland

Civil Defence is responsible for coordinating the Welfare response to COVID-19 and Emergency Management Southland is doing so in Southland to support the Health sector. To this end, Emergency Management Southland is working with their colleagues throughout the country, including those at the government level, to ensure the Southland community is supported in the best possible way at this time. You can learn more about getting the help and support you need below and by following the Emergency Management Southland Facebook page

Essential businesses during the Level 4 Alert period

Only businesses that are essential to the provision of the necessities of life may remain open during the Level 4 Alert period. Essential businesses, and those that support them, will continue to provide the necessities of life for everyone in New Zealand. This means food, medicine, healthcare, energy, fuel, waste-removal, internet and financial support will continue to be available.

COVID-19 Business support package

Below you will find the New Zealand government’s central resource for COVID-19 business information. Here you will find information on the wage and leave subsidies available (which were updated 23 March 2020) ,business cash flow and tax measures and the wider $12.1 billion economic package.

COVID-19 resources

There are a range of resources and digital assets available on the COVID-19 website, including learning what can be done to unite against the virus and slow its spread. You can also keep up to date with the Unite against COVID-19 Facebook page and Instagram page