Update 4 April 2022 | From Tuesday 5 April vaccine passes will not be needed at council sites and facilities. Masks, physical distancing and staying home if sick is still vital. Read more about our updated approach to vaccination here.
The original story below has been edited to remove QR code and vaccine pass references.
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With Omicron making its way into communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, some Auckland Council sites and facilities need to operate limited services, shorter hours or face temporary or short-term closures.
Director of Customer and Community Services Dr Claudia Wyss suggests that checking the Auckland Council website before leaving home is a good habit to get into.
"We publish updates of affected services or facilities each afternoon on the council’s website.
“This is a good page to bookmark if you’re a regular user of our council facilities and we recommend people to check the daily list before they set out from home,” says Dr Wyss.
Situations that might lead to a change in services or closure include a site being named as a location of interest and requiring temporary closure, or workforce challenges due to illness or council employees being identified as close or household contacts and needing to self-isolate.
Dr Wyss says the council signalled it was preparing for disruptions in January and is now facing those disruptions on a daily basis.
“We have seen a number of our staff get sick with COVID-19, or caring for and isolating with whānau who have it. We are working quickly and collaboratively to keep as many facilities and services open and accessible, but COVID-19 has affected our teams and our ability to function at our normal capacity.”
It has meant that delays, closed and unavailable services are becoming a part of life while community cases of COVID-19 are so high.
Dr Wyss asks that Aucklanders take care of each other, continue to follow public health advice and treat others with respect.
“We have unfortunately had situations where our staff and contractors have been abused while doing their roles or helping protect public safety. Sadly, this abuse has increased as community cases have increased, particularly in public-facing roles. Our librarians, leisure staff, service centre staff, rangers, transport services and compliance teams are all seeing increases in abuse and this abusive behaviour is not okay.”
She says the majority of Aucklanders have been patient and supportive, which is appreciated by staff.
“Thank you for understanding. Our staff and contractors are struggling through the Omicron outbreak just as much as everyone else, so having people show patience and respect is really appreciated.”
Mask, scan, pass and useful information
Wearing a mask when you go out will continue to help manage the spread of Omicron and other COVID variants.
Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/covidnotices for daily updates on the status of council facilities and services.
Find out more about Auckland and Auckland Council’s services at the Red Traffic Light setting here.
Visit the Unite Against COVID-19 website for government guidance and information about vaccination and boosters.
24 February 2022
With Omicron making its way into communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, some Auckland Council sites and facilities will need to operate limited services, shorter hours or face temporary or short-term closures.
Director of Customer and Community Services Dr Claudia Wyss says the council signalled it was preparing for disruptions last month and is now facing the first round of service interruptions.
“So far, we’ve only had to shorten the summer season on two outdoor (summer-only) pools and adjust some library and recreation centre hours, however we expect the need to limit services or close sites will grow in the coming weeks.
“To manage this, we will publish updates of affected services or facilities each afternoon on the council’s website.
“This is a good page to bookmark if you’re a regular user of our council facilities and we urge people to check the daily list before they set out from home,” says Dr Wyss.
Situations that might lead to a change in services or closure include a site being named as a location of interest and requiring temporary closure, or workforce challenges due to illness or council employees being identified as close or household contacts and needing to self-isolate.
“We will also be keeping a close eye on government advice and make adjustments if required – for example, if the phase three guidance has an impact on our approach. But our primary consideration will be the health and wellbeing of our people, our customers and our communities,” says Dr Wyss.
On behalf of each of the council departments that may be affected, Dr Wyss thanks Aucklanders for their patience and understanding.
“Our focus remains on looking after our people and those that use our services and facilities,” she says.
The website will also carry updates on other council services, like our regulatory functions and critical services (like waste collection, water and cemetery provision), should these be adjusted or changed.
