COVID-19 response: Wednesday 12 August

Subject: Important COVID-19 update – what this means for Awanuiārangi

The Prime Minister announced yesterday evening that the Auckland Region is moving up to Alert Level 3, and the rest of New Zealand to Alert Level 2 from 12pm today, Wednesday 12 August. We have outlined below what this means for Awanuiārangi. It is important not to panic. We must remain vigilant and follow the rules no matter where we are. This is a reminder that COVID-19 has not been stamped out and we must continue our efforts to keep each other safe. The Government will be re-assessing the Alert Levels on Friday 14 August, and we will provide a further update to kaimahi and tauira then. For a summary of the Government Alert Levels, see here.

Note, programmes currently being delivered offsite (e.g. marae-based) and outside of the Auckland Region will continue, however Alert Level 2 protocols will apply in regard to physical distancing, contact tracing and safe hygiene protocols.

Tāmaki campus:

• Our Tāmaki Campus will be closed from 12pm today. Programmes will shift to online delivery only.
• Kaimahi and tauira are not allowed on campus. Kaimahi will be able to pick up essential equipment (e.g. laptops, not desks) for remote working. Take only what you can carry.
• All teaching and learning will need to be delivered online. If this is not possible, classes will be postponed to a later date. Kaiako will be in touch with tauira shortly to confirm plans for delivery.
• All noho will be held online until further notice.
• Follow safe hygiene and contact tracing protocols and physical distancing of 2m. You are now encouraged to wear masks in public areas. In Auckland, gatherings of no more than 10 people are allowed.

Whakatāne Campus

• Programme delivery on campus is to continue under Alert Level 2. This includes our Nursing and Career Preparation and Study programmes. However, physical distancing of 2m and safe hygiene protocols must be followed.
• Noho scheduled to be held from this weekend are being delivered online until further notice.
• Follow safe hygiene and contact tracing protocols. See here for more information. You are now also encouraged to wear masks in public areas.
• If you are sick or unwell, do not come to campus.
• If you are considered vulnerable and at risk, please stay home. Please talk to your Kaiako and/or manager so we are aware and can ensure arrangements are in place for you to carry out your study or mahi at home.
• All external events this week are postponed until further notice.
• No external visitors are allowed on Campus.

Whangārei campus:

• Programmes will shift to online delivery only.
• Follow safe hygiene protocols and physical distancing of 2m. You are now encouraged to wear masks in public areas.

Important: If you have been to Auckland in the past 10 days and have COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, please contact Healthline or your Doctor. If you are required to be tested, inform your Manager or kaiako and do not come to campus. Your close study/work contacts will also need to be based at home until a negative result is produced, so it is important you let us know who you have been in close contact with at campus.

Contact tracing and safe hygiene protocols

We all need to follow safe hygiene and contact tracing protocols and physical distancing of 2m. You are now encouraged to wear masks in public areas. In Auckland, gatherings of no more than 10 people are allowed.

Everyone entering and leaving our campuses needs to follow our check in and check out procedures when on campus. There will continue to be a single point of entry on campus (Main Reception) and signing in and out from the Main Reception using the free EVA QR code system, or manually – this is compulsory. We need to know who is on campus and when so that we can effectively carry out contact tracing should the need arise.

The Government is also encouraging everyone to use the NZ COVID Tracer app for you to record where you’ve been, and who you’ve seen.

FAQs

Read our FAQs on our website here. These will be updated shortly to reflect the current Alert Levels. For additional pātai, please contact our COVID-19 Response Team at COVID-19@wananga.ac.nz (kaimahi) and ssc@wananga.ac.nz (tauira).  

Visit our website for more useful links on support available.

Further updates will continue to be communicated as these are available. Continue to check your emails and follow the Awanuiārangi website and Facebook page for all our updates. 

Thank you for your commitment and continued support whānau. Continue to look after each other.

Professor Wiremu Doherty

Chief Executive Officer