Source: Auckland Council
Talofa Lava and happy Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa (Samoan Language Week).
Although the region has enjoyed a few rainy days over the past week, our dam levels are still worryingly low, and Aucklanders are being asked to do their bit to conserve water by looking at ways to save 20 litres per day at home.
We’re also being asked to be mindful of using public transport during peak times, to help manage capacity issues that are resulting from the social distancing measures in place on buses, trains and ferries.
From next week, Auckland Council will reopen the remainder of its libraries, as well as some of its pools and community venues.
Find out more about all of this week’s updates below.
Water restrictions are now in place
Despite a wet week for the region, Auckland is still in the grip of a drought with the total volume of water stored in our dams currently sitting at around 43.3 per cent (29 May) – worryingly below average for this time of year (76.6 per cent). See the water supply update for details.
To help conserve water until the rain arrives, Watercare has set a target for Auckland’s daily water consumption at 420 million litres or less. To help reach that goal, Aucklanders are being asked to reduce their indoor water usage by 20 litres per day by taking simple steps such as turning taps off while brushing their teeth and only using dishwashers and washing machines when full.
Here’s more information on how you can be a water saving hero.
Auckland Council to reopen more libraries, pools and venues
Auckland Council will reopen the remainder of its much-loved libraries and most of its pools across the region from next week.
However, due to the current water restrictions pool users will see some changes when visiting the facilities. Difficulty with maintaining social distancing and water loss means only lap and dive pools for training and exercise will be open.
Pools designed for leisure and play will remain closed, as will the showers in our changing rooms. You can find out more about the reopenings and measures that will be in place, here.
Tracking welfare assistance numbers
Since the welfare distribution centre was established, Auckland Emergency Management has received more than 34,600 calls to its helpline, with 17,630 requests for assistance and around 16,250 households supported.
You can see the up-to-date numbers around the welfare support programme via Auckland’s online dashboard. It is best viewed on a desktop.
Using public transport at peak times
To help manage the school rush, Aucklanders are asked where possible to avoid using public transport during peak times (2.30-4.00pm).
Due to government guidelines around social distancing on public transport, Auckland Transport has reduced the number of passengers permitted on a bus, train or ferry at any one time. This means services are running at around 43 per cent capacity which has resulted in some at the end of the school day.
Buses are displaying the number of people they can take with physical distancing restrictions in place but it is recommended that you plan your trip by using the AT Journey Planner or the AT Mobile app. As well as giving you real-time bus and train updates, you can also check the capacity of a service before you board.
If you don’t have internet access, you can call 0800 103 080
Important information you need to know for support
The latest COVID-19 help, advice and updates from Government are available at covid19.govt.nz
Managing your mental wellbeing – For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 for free to talk with a trained counsellor.
Ongoing financial support – call 0800 559 009 or visit workandincome.govt.nz
Feeling unwell – call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Auckland welfare assistance – call 0800 22 22 96 between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week.
If you’re not sure what assistance may be available, phone the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997 (8am – 5pm, 7 days a week).
