19 August 2022 | Read a plain text version of this newsletter

Message from the General Manager

Tēnā koe – hello.

Thank you for your responses to our recent survey about holding ceremonies at the Red Covid Protection Setting.

With ceremonies now being resumed across the country, we have been working to confirm our plan to support attendees and councils as we continue to navigate COVID-19 in the community.

We have planned for any future shift to the Red Protection Setting, as currently defined.

Keep safe.

Kia pai tō rā (Have a good day)
Julia

Julia Wootton,
General Manager;
Services and Access

Ceremonies will be cancelled at Red Covid Protection Setting

We appreciate that COVID-19 remains in the community and that the COVID-19 Protection Framework (the Traffic Light System) may change. Following consultation with you and reviewing the Ministry of Health guidance we are planning to cancel ceremonies where New Zealand returns to the Red setting. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow public health guidance on how to proceed safely.

Ceremonies have resumed under the Orange Covid Protection Setting

With ceremonies restarting from August 2022, we have been working with you to book celebrations for candidates in your area.

If a local authority is unable to hold a ceremony at Orange Covid Protection Setting

If you need to cancel or are unable to hold a ceremony due to public health, safety or operational capability (i.e., covid-19 restrictions) reasons please contact CitizenshipCeremonies@dia.govt.nz to discuss the situation. The team will work with you to determine the best solution.

If a candidate feels unsafe attending a ceremony

The safety of our customers, their whānau and the people hosting these ceremonies is important to us.

All local authorities are required to adhere to the following advice from the government and Ministry of Health, but there may be candidates that are uneasy about attending a large public gathering:

We recommend that local authorities make available hand sanitiser and masks, ensure there is the capability to maintain physical distancing if required, and clearly display the COVID-19 QR code for contact tracing of all attendees and guests.

If a candidate has concerns about attending a public ceremony, they should email CitizenshipCeremonies@dia.govt.nz stating that they consider they should not attend a ceremony because:

they or a family member has been or may have been exposed to a transmissible illness; or
they consider that attending the ceremony would create a risk to their own or others’ health.

Candidates will be advised of this by the Department.

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