Moving to Alert Level 3, 11.59PM Tuesday 31 August
The Prime Minister has confirmed that New Zealand, south of the Auckland border, will move to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm tonight (Tuesday 31 August 2021) for at least one week. Cabinet will review this on Monday 6 September.
If wastewater testing is clear, Northland will move to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm on Thursday 2 September.
Auckland will remain at Alert Level 4 until at least Tuesday 14 September. Cabinet will review this on Monday 13 September.
You can watch today’s announcement HERE.
Information about what is allowed in Alert Level 3 is available HERE.
Information about Council services in Alert Level 3 is available at https://bit.ly/RLCAL32021. (Please note this information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Updates will be made on our website and social media channels.)
If you need to contact Council you can reach our Customer Centre on (07) 348 4199 or info@rotorualc.nz
For the most up to date COVID-19 information, please visit https://covid19.govt.nz/
If you need help with financial assistance or social service support (such as food grants), please visit https://www.msd.govt.nz/ or ring the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) on 0800 559 009. This number is for everyone who may need assistance.
It is normal to feel anxious or stressed in times of difficulty. There are useful tips on how you and your whānau can look after each other’s hauora at https://covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing
Preparing for Alert Level 3
In preparation for the move to Alert Level 3 - information about Council services during Alert Level 3 is provided below.
In Alert Level 3, all Council buildings will remain closed to the public including the Civic Centre, Rotorua Library, Rotorua i-Site, Rotorua Pound, Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Rotorua International Stadium and Rotorua Aquatic Centre.
Essential services will continue to operate. These include water services (wastewater, stormwater and water supply), transport and roading, rubbish and recycling collection, and Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
Our Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre will continue to work with key partners including iwi, Lakes District Health Board, the Ministry of Social Development, and Police to provide local support to the community.
RLC staff not related to essential services will continue to work from home.
Key information about Council services during Alert level 3
- Council offices will be closed to the public with services available by phone or email. Call Council on 07 348 4199 or email info@rotorualc.nz. Many of our services are available online. Learn more at www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-services/do-it-online
- Public facilities will be closed - Rotorua Library, Rotorua Aquatic Centre, Energy Events Centre, Rotorua Stadium and iSite
- Kerbside rubbish and recycling collection will continue in Alert Level 3
- The Rotorua Landfill and recycling centres will be open in Alert Level 3. Please ensure you follow all health and safety guidelines at these sites. You can find more information about how the landfill and recycling centres will operate in Level 3 under the Rubbish and Recycling heading on the Rotorua Lakes Council Alert Level 3 information page .
- All playgrounds and sports facilities will be closed
- Park and reserve carparks that are large enough to accommodate social distancing protocols will be open
- The maintenance of parks and reserves will continue where it can be done within COVID-19 protocols
- Building and other site inspections will resume in Alert Level 3 with safe operating measures in place
- The library returns slots will remain closed so you cannot return library books, however all loan periods will automatically be extended so you will not incur fines
- Parking - There is no requirement to pay for parking until Alert Level 2. Timeframes listed on any existing Infringement Notices (ie, to pay, dispute) remain as is.
- Events - For up-to-date information about events and activities visit www.rotoruanui.nz
- Accessing the forest and reserves for exercise - Driving for recreation is permitted during Alert Level 3 but keep it to short distances only (no inter-regional travel allowed). Do not meet up with others – stay in your bubble, wear a mask if you can, stick to areas where you are able to easily stay 2m from anyone you may come across, be mindful of other users in public spaces, ride and exercise safely and within your ability, tell someone where you are going and take your mobile phone. Do not put yourself in a situation where you could be injured and require emergency help.
- Rates - If you have been unable to pay your rates please phone our Customer Centre on (07) 348 4199 to discuss this as soon as you can. Information on how to pay your rates is available HERE.
Information about operating a business in Alert Level 3 is available HERE.