Council to reinstate more operations at Alert Level 3

Waipā District Council will resume many of its services, projects and operations next week following the Prime Minister’s announcement this afternoon that New Zealand will move to Level Alert 3 at 11.59pm on Monday, 27 April.

Under Alert Level 3 guidelines, Council’s essential services will be operational, as well as all other maintenance, projects and services that will meet the Government’s safety criteria.

Work on-site major capital projects such as the Waikeria Pipeline, Cambridge Road pipeline and Hanlin Road roundabout that were put on hold prior to lockdown are expected to resume. Council is also determining what ongoing work to Waipā’s infrastructure, such as roading, can be brought back on stream.

Water services including non-essential repairs, connections and maintenance to pipes, equipment and assets will also recommence.

Cemetery grounds will be open to the public and small gatherings at funerals and tangi of up to 10 people will be permitted to farewell loved ones.

Council’s recycling service, which has continued throughout the lockdown, will continue with some limitations to collection in narrow roads.

Building and environmental health inspections will be limited and COVID-19 risk management practices will be in place. Anyone wishing to make an appointment for an inspection should contact Council by phone or apply online at www.waipadc.got.nz.

The Western Waikato Emergency Operation Centre, which 36 Council staff were seconded in March to assist with the national emergency response, will continue operating from the Te Awamutu Council office.

Council meetings, public consultation and hearings are still being carried out virtually.

All Council facilities and public venues including the Te Awamutu and Cambridge libraries, Te Awamutu Museum, playgrounds, boat ramps, halls and other public venues will remain closed, however arrangements are underway to prepare for re-opening when New Zealand shifts to Alert Level 2.

Public open spaces including reserves and dog parks may be used, but residents must maintain physical distancing in these areas. 15 toilets across the district will also remain open with additional cleaning procedures in place.

Events and public gatherings of more than 10 people will remain cancelled until further notice.

Waipā Mayor Jim Mylchreest says a third of Council workers fall into the essential category and will continue to operate as they have been at Alert Level 4.

Meanwhile, Council is currently assessing which of its remaining staff could safely return to “business as usual” and which would continue to carry out their normal duties remotely.

He says public health and safety are paramount and all services that will operate under Alert Level 3 will minimise personal interactions amongst staff and with the public and ensure all appropriate health, hygiene and safety measures are in place.

“For the safety of our staff when they are out working across the district, we kindly ask everyone to respect their space and apply the 2m rule,” he says.

“Council offices will also remain closed to the public at Alert Level 3, but anyone wishing to contact Council staff, make payments or complete applications can either phone our team on 0800 924 723 or do it online at www.waipadc.govt.nz.”

For further information about Council’s services under Alert Level 3, visit www.waipadc.govt.nz.

For more information about COVID-19 and Alert Level 3, visit covid19.govt.nz