COVID-19 Information

Here you'll find information and updates from Council in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last updated: Thursday 19 May 2020

Useful links

Economic Recovery Plan

Council has an important role to play in an all-of-government effort to assist our communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fundamental to this is a recovery plan that focuses on working collaboratively to rebuild the Western Bay of Plenty economy as fast as possible, through immediate relief and medium to long term support. The plan highlights key issues for the District and how we can complement government initiatives at a local level. Read the full plan here.

Community Resilience Fund

Western Bay's $300,000 Community Resilience Fund has been launched in efforts to help local groups needing additional funding for their projects in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund is a consolidation of Council’s two annual community funding pools - the Community Matching Fund and the Facilities in the Community Fund. Applications are open now. Find out more and apply now.

Facilities and services at Level 2

Western Bay residents can now head to their favourite parks and playgrounds, borrow library books and drop off their recycling under COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

Many of Council’s community facilities are now open at a reduced capacity under Alert Level 2, with physical distancing, maximum visitor numbers and contact tracing measures in place.

Two-metre physical distancing is expected at all Council facilities, with signs and floor markings installed to help maintain this. Visitors will be required to provide their name and contact details at some facilities for contact tracing.

Surfaces at Council library and service centres will be frequently cleaned and hand sanitiser will be available for visitors to use.

People who are feeling sick or unwell must stay home.

Recycling / greenwaste centres

Our recycle and greenwaste centres are closed except for the following dates and times below.

Normal hours resume from Monday 1 June.

Read more about conditions of entry and accepted items here.

The fortnightly rural recycling trial programme at BP Pongakawa remains closed until further notice.

Tauranga City Council's transfer stations in Te Maunga and Maleme Street are now open for general rubbish and greenwaste, and full recycling services.

Service Centres

All service centres, including the Barkes Corner customer service counter open normal hours from Thursday 14 May.

Libraries

All libraries open normal hours from Thursday 14 May.

• Numbers at each location will be limited – this will be managed at the door – and all visitors will be asked to supply contact details for contact tracing upon entry.
• Libraries’ staff are encouraging borrowers not to rush to bring their loans back as all loans remain extended. Returns will only be accepted during opening hours with returns chutes closed in order for staff to manage the flow.
• The free public WiFi sites are available in Katikati, Te Puke, Waihi Beach and Omokoroa from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week. Please follow safe 2m social distancing from others.
• Book Bundle service - elderly or health-compromised borrowers who do not feel able to visit their local library should email libraries@westernbay.govt.nz or phone 07 571 8008 and ask to speak to the team at their local branch to arrange a bespoke Book Bundle which can be collected from their library at a pre-arranged time.
• As a library member, remember that you have access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks online, as well as newspapers and magazines and a range of online databases for you to explore. See our library website for all the details.

Reserves and Playgrounds

All playgrounds and reserve facilities are open from Thursday 14 May.

• Reserve facilities can be used again - including playgrounds, public toilets, picnic tables, drinking fountains and public barbecues.
• Ensure you continue to follow safe social distancing, staying 2m away from others.
• Our contractors are now back mowing reserves and fields, as well as gardening and other maintenance. Note - it may take some time for these spaces to return to normal again.
• TECT Park is open for visitors and user groups subject to compliance with the Alert Level 2 requirements. This includes the off leash dog exercise area.

Boat Ramps

Boat ramps open from Thursday 14 May.

Roading

Road maintenance and construction projects have commenced again.

Our contractors will be focusing on maintenance issues that were not able to be addressed under Levels 3 and 4, such as vegetation control. Note - this will take some time to catch up so please be tolerant as we work through it. If there is a particular area of concern, please give us a call on 07 571 8008 or let us know through Antenno.

Building, Planning and Development Services

LIM's, building applications, resource consents and engineering design approvals are continuing to be processed and all Council’s online portals for these services remain available, but customers might experience a change or delay in their service delivery.

Building inspections and development engineering site visits are available again.

Please contact us if you require any further information about available services or alternatively the building.govt.nz website.

Freedom Camping

All freedom camping sites open from Thursday 14 May.

The three temporary freedom camping hubs set up in the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga City are now closed.

With the change to Alert Level 2, the temporary facilities set up to ensure strict self-isolation rules were followed will no longer be required. People are now able to resume local and inter-regional travel in a safe manner.

Anyone unable to find suitable accommodation due to the impacts of COVID-19 can still contact Temporary Accommodation Service on 0508 754 163.

Read the full story here.

Animal Services

If you're heading out for a walk around your neighbourhood with your dog, we recommend keeping your dog on-leash at all times - even in normal off-leash areas.

Public safety complaints will be attended by our animal control officers. This includes dog attacks on people, dogs roaming on state highways, or dangerous dogs roaming.

Lost and found dogs - where possible members of the public should make efforts to identify the owner and return the dog. Support will be provided by Council staff where owners cannot be identified.

Noise Complaints

Any gatherings of over 10 people should be notified to the police.

Response to excessive noise complaints will only be undertaken where the noise is sustained for an extended period and is impacting community wellbeing.

Cemeteries

Cemeteries will continue to operate and if required for a funeral will be accessed through the normal process.

Save our pipes from wipes

Wet wipes are causing a real headache for Council at the moment with an increase in people putting them down the toilet instead of in the rubbish during the COVID-19 lockdown.

This is causing an increase in blockages in the wastewater pipes. Repairing these blockages is putting staff at higher risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.

We realise that wipes are a convenient and hygienic option, but please don’t flush them down the toilet. Place them in a bag and put them out for rubbish pick-up to the landfill.

Helpline for the vulnerable

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence has set up an 0800 number to help isolated and vulnerable people in our communities.

This helpline is for those that might not have support networks such as family, neighbours and friends to help get groceries, warm blankets, heating or other essential items they need.

The number is 0800 884 222 and you can reach them 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.

Support for Social Sector Organisations

• Wage subsidy - available for non-governmental organisations. See Work and Income or phone 0800 40 80 40.
• Regional Rapid Response Fund(Tauranga City Council, TECT, BayTrust, Acorn Foundation) -to support community groups who are experiencing increased demand and/or funding shortfall as a result of COVID-19. Phone 07 578 5094 or email info@tect.org.nz for more information.
• Creative New Zealand - Resilience Grants, short-term relief for investment clients, Arts Continuity Grant, Emergency Relief Grant. See Creative NZ for more information or email covid19response@creativenz.govt.nz.
• Ministry of Social Development - COVID-19 Community Awareness and Preparedness Grant Fund - email CAPGF_2020@msd.govt.nz, essential service support see Ministry of Social Development.

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