Changes at council facilities at red traffic light settings

Ōpōtiki District Council’s Chief Executive, Aileen Lawrie, has indicated that there would be a few changes at Council facilities in the coming weeks as the organisation works to ensure business continuity during a likely community outbreak of the Omicron variant.

“The national response this time expects that Covid will be circulating in the community and that we will work to slow the spread and reduce transmission where possible. We are doing all we can to protect our staff and the community and to be prepared for potential workforce shortages (due to staff being sick or needing to self-isolate) and possible supply chain issues.

“Council work will continue but we need to make some changes so that essential services are not interrupted through illness or isolation. In some teams, that means dividing staff into smaller groups so that there is a lower likelihood of needing to isolate at the same time.

“To make that work, there are a few changes and reduced hours in places like the library. Please be respectful of our staff as we all work through these changes together,” Ms Lawrie said.

Council reception will remain open but with the current restrictions in place to limit the number of people in the small area. There are also strict limits on attendance of Council meetings or meeting face to face with staff.

Ms Lawrie reiterated that non-contact options were available for many Council interactions including payments, consents, dog registration, phone or video-conferencing with staff, and livestreaming of council meetings.

Red traffic light setting will also apply to anyone hiring Council buildings (the pavilions) which means a maximum of 25 attendees without vaccine passes and a maximum of 100 people if vaccine passes are required. The person hiring the facilities is responsible for ensuring these legal requirements are met.

The biggest changes will be to the opening hours of Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi. Reduced staff in each shift will mean reduced opening hours. The library will return to the old Level Three opening hours and the roster still allows for Saturday opening.

Main Council building opening hours:

• Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm

Library opening hours:

• Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm (closed 1pm - 2pm for lunch and clean).
• Saturday 9am - 1pm

I-Site opening hours:

• Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm
• Saturday 9am - 1pm
• Sunday CLOSED

Please also ensure you wear a mask, sign in, keep your distance from others and stay home if you are feeling at all unwell.

Ms Lawrie said that all the changes would be reviewed frequently in response to new rules from central government, the size and spread of an outbreak and how well the council practices were working.

“Like other organisations and individuals, we are doing our best in a constantly changing environment. For smaller businesses here in Ōpōtiki, I’d encourage you to have a look at the resources available online to help make sure you are getting prepared for the next stage of this pandemic in New Zealand,” Ms Lawrie said.

Council also encourages whanau and individuals to start planning ahead in case their lives are disrupted by illness or isolation in the coming weeks. There are a number of online resources with suggested home care kits and other ways you and your household can prepare including support available for those self-isolating.