COVID-19 Update Fri 25 Mar 2022

Campus closure update & COVID-19 vaccination policies

It is encouraging to hear updates about a ‘peak’ of COVID-19 cases being reached in different parts of the motu. However, the Mataatua rohe remains in a vulnerable position and we need to be as careful as possible to minimise the spread of the virus.

For this reason, we have decided that all three Awanuiārangi campuses in Tāmaki Makaurau, Whakatāne and Whangārei will remain closed until at least the end of Semester One, 8 July 2022.   

At this stage, we will plan to reopen campuses from the beginning of Semester Two for selected courses. This will be dependent on the risk factors and levels of COVID-19 cases in our community. 

You can expect to hear from us again before the end of Semester One to confirm opening dates.  

If you do need to be on-site for any reason at this stage, you are still required to have a vaccine pass.

You may also be aware of some changes announced by the Government this week relating to vaccination, including passes and policies. From 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, vaccine passes will no longer be required (unless a business decides to have a policy in place). Mandates for some industries, including education, are being removed.

While the Council and Leadership of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi decided to implement a COVID-19 vaccination policy across all our campuses and sites for all kaimahi, tauira and manuhiri, we are now reconsidering what this looks like under the new guidance from Government.

It is most likely that we will not require kaimahi, tauira and manuhiri coming on to site to show a vaccine pass from 11:59 pm on 4 April 2022, in line with Government recommendations. We will still encourage mask wearing and have protocols in place to ensure safe learning environments. Wherever possible, we will continue to offer our courses online in the first instance, and everyone should stay home when sick.  

Some kaimahi and tauira that are part of hauora or health programmes or dealing with vulnerable communities may still be required to follow vaccination protocols.

Vaccination remains a critical tool to stopping the spread and severity of the virus though, and we encourage people to continue to keep up-to-date with their vaccinations, including boosters.  It is free and it is safe to have.

If you have any questions about the campus closure or COVID-19 vaccination policies here at Awanuiārangi, please get in touch. Contact details can be found here.