COVID-19 Update: Alert Levels changes 17 February 2021

COVID-19 update: Alert Levels and what this means for Awanuiārangi

Following the Prime Minister’s press conference this afternoon, below is an update on Alert Levels and what this means for Awanuiārangi kaimahi and tauira over the coming week.

Changes to Alert Level settings

The Prime Minister has announced that the Auckland Region will be moving down to Alert Level 2, and the rest of New Zealand to Alert Level 1 from midnight this evening. The new Alert Level settings and associated restrictions will be reviewed by Cabinet remain on Monday 22 February and we will provide a further update to kaimahi and tauira then. Find out more about the Government’s Alert Levels here. 

The move down Alert Levels is good news, but we need to stay vigilant by following the precautions outlined further below. 

What this means for Awanuiārangi by location and Alert Level

Our approach in regard to the new Alert Levels is summarised below and outlined in detail for each Alert Level on our FAQ page here. Please read these to ensure you are familiar with our protocols at each Alert Level. 

• ALERT LEVEL 2: Tāmaki campus and delivery sites within the Auckland region
• Our Tāmaki Campus and other delivery sites within the Auckland region can re-open from Monday 22 February, and kaimahi will be allowed back on campus from then.
• Most tauira will also be returning to campus from Monday 22 February and programme delivery can resume on-site (i.e., noho, face-to-face, blended delivery). However, as previously communicated our Bachelor of Education and Masters students are to continue their studies online until further notice.
• Note, if any tauira or kaimahi are connected to the Papatoetoe High School community, please stay home and return a negative test before you can return (as advised by the Government).
• Despite the shift in Alert Levels, noho that have already been advised to be held online will continue to be held online, as previously communicated. For kaiako who are planning to run a noho during Alert Level 2 over the next few weeks, please contact Moira Loach (Loach@wananga.ac.nz) for guidance on protocols and a health and safety template to use.
• Some marae-based programmes may still choose to continue with online delivery. Timetabling will be communicated to tauira by kaiako and/or marae coordinators as needed.
• Physical distancing of two metres and safe hygiene protocols must be followed.
• If you are sick or unwell, do not come on-site. If you are considered vulnerable and at risk, please stay home and deliver your programmes online/study from home if possible. Please talk to your Manager/Kaiako so we are aware and can ensure arrangements are in place for you to carry out your mahi/Study.

• No external visitors are allowed on any of the Awanuiārangi Campus locations at Alert Level 2.
• All events will remain postponed until further notice.

• ALERT LEVEL 1: Whakatāne campus, Whangārei campus and delivery sites located outside of the Auckland region

• Kaimahi are expected to be back on site from Thursday 17 February, and tauira are allowed on-site from Monday 22, unless otherwise advised.

• Normal operations, including programme delivery, continues on-site. Note, some programmes may retain some online teaching and learning in Alert Level 1 (e.g., our Bachelor of Education programme and noho in Whangārei). This includes ensuring resources are available online. Tauira are to check with their kaiako if this relates to them.
• Delivery of noho, and programmes on marae and alternate sites, can go ahead under Alert Level 1. However, despite the shift in Alert Levels, noho that have already been advised to be held online will continue to be held online, as previously communicated (e.g., in Whangārei).
• Some marae-based programmes may still chose to continue with online delivery. Timetabling will be communicated to tauira by kaiako and/or marae coordinators as needed.

• If you cannot be on campus (e.g., if you are sick), please talk to your kaiako or Manager so alternate plans can be made.

At any Alert Level, Kaiako are to get in contact with your tauira to confirm programme delivery arrangements for your individual programmes, if needed. If programmes need to be postponed for any reason, kaiako will keep tauira informed.

Orientation

The on-campus Orientation that was scheduled to be held for Tāmaki on Monday 22 February, and Whangārei on Wednesday 24 February, remains cancelled, as it is impractical to re-activate these on-campus in the current timeframes. Tauira will instead be provided with key orientation resources online via the Awanuiārangi website. This will include information on support services our Wānanga provides to assist in the successful academic journey of tauira. Our orientation committee will be in touch with tauira and kaimahi to confirm next steps. Please refer to our website here for orientation updates. 

Important Awanuiārangi protocols:

These are summarised below. For further information, click here.

• Sign-in procedures on Campus:
• Everyone entering and leaving all programme delivery sites are required to follow the check in and check out procedures so that we can contact trace quickly and effectively should the need arise.
• There is a single point of entry on all campus locations (Main Reception) and signing in and out from the Main Reception using the free EVA QR code system, the tablet sign-in (at our Tāmaki Campus) or manually, is compulsory.
• Please also use the NZ COVID Tracer app for you to record where you’ve been, and who you’ve seen. Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on when doing so.

• Stay home if you’re sick:
• If you have COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, please stay, home, get tested and contact Healthline or your Doctor.
• If you are required to be tested, inform your Manager/Kaiako and do not come to campus/delivery sites.
• Your close work contacts will also need to work from home until a negative result is produced, so it’s important you let us know who you have been in close contact with on campus.

Practice safe hygiene and physical distancing: Thoroughly wash hands with soap, cough or sneeze into your elbow, maintain a physical distance of two metres (Alert Level 2), or one metre (Alert Level 1).

Mask-wearing: Wear a mask on public transport.

If you are feeling anxious, please visit our website for useful links on support available, and do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

If you have any pātai, please contact our COVID-19 Response Team at COVID-19@wananga.ac.nz (kaimahi) and ssc@wananga.ac.nz (tauira). 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 to our entire Awanuiārangi community for your actions over the past few days to keep our communities safe. These are trying times, and we are grateful for your support and co-operation as we continue to navigate this pandemic.

We also acknowledge the continued challenges that our international students face overseas, we are thinking of you, and we encourage you to please stay connected with us. Stay safe whānau.