COVID-19 Information
Here you'll find information and updates from Council in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last updated: Tuesday 22 September 2020
Useful links
Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in one place - NZ Government COVID-19. |
The impact of COVID-19 affects us all in different ways. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get the help you need. |
For the latest updates on COVID-19 - Ministry of Health. |
For health advice and information, contact the Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453. |
Information on support for social sector organisations. |
Information and support for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. |
We're now at Alert Level 1
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- If you're feeling unwell, stay home
- Keep your distance from others as much as possible
- Wash your hands well and frequently
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow
- Keep track of where you've been and who you've seen
- Wear a mask in public if you can
Keep track of where you've been
Fast and effective contact tracing is one way we can all work together to prevent any further spread of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health has created a tracing app — NZ COVID Tracer. The app helps you to create a digital diary of where you have been.
If you don't use the app, there is now a NZ COVID Tracer booklet.
Face masks
Wearing a face covering helps keep you and others safe. Find out more about the requirements here.
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.
Facilities and services
All Council facilities are open.
We're continuing contact tracing and frequent cleaning of surfaces at our libraries and service centres, and encouraging physical distancing at all Council facilities. Hand sanitiser is available.
People who are feeling sick or unwell must stay home.
Recycling / greenwaste centres
All recycling and greenwaste centres are open normal hours. Check hours and accepted items here.
Tauranga City Council's transfer stations in Te Maunga and Maleme Street are open for general rubbish, greenwaste and recycling services.
Libraries / service centres
All libraries and service centres are open normal hours. We're continuing contact tracing and frequent cleaning of surfaces at our libraries and service centres, and encouraging physical distancing.
- The free public WiFi sites are available in Katikati, Te Puke, Waihi Beach and Omokoroa from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week.
- 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 as normal.
- Reserve facilities can be used - playgrounds, public toilets, picnic tables, drinking fountains and public barbecues.
- We encourage social distancing from others as much as possible. And please continue hand washing/sanitising. Stay home if you are unwell.
- TECT Park is open.
Boat ramps
Boat ramps are open as normal.
Freedom camping
All freedom camping sites are open as normal.
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.
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 pandemic.
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.