Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council is reminding Aucklanders that COVID-19 is in the community, so please take care and look after yourselves and others this weekend.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the Auckland Council Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee, says it’s looking like a lovely weekend to get out and about.
“I know Aucklanders will be excited to make the most of the lesser Step 2 restrictions and enjoy what is looking like great weather, but please remember that there is still a deadly virus out there.
“We need to continue to stick to the rules to keep ourselves, our whānau/’aiga (families) and our communities safe. That means wearing a mask, social distancing and keeping track of your movements either manually or with the COVID-19 Tracer app.
“Please keep your gatherings outdoors and stick to the 25-person limit. This will help to reduce the potential spread of the virus. And if you haven’t already – go get vaccinated and join the 90 per cent of Aucklanders who have had their first dose.”
For information on Auckland Council’s facilities and services under Alert Level 3 Step 2, visit OurAuckland.
Explore somewhere new
Parks and green spaces make up over 10 per cent of the Tāmaki Makaurau region. While people know of the really popular ones like Mission Bay and Cornwall Park, Councillor Filipaina says there are plenty of ways to enjoy the region while reconnecting with whānau/’aiga and friends safely.
“We have literally thousands of places to explore, have a picnic or a stroll and see very few people. It doesn’t matter what you are looking for, Tāmaki Makaurau has something for everyone.”
He encourages people to explore the Auckland parks database and find somewhere new to have a picnic in. For more ideas of making the most out of Tāmaki Makaurau, check out 10 reasons why Auckland is the best place to be while in lockdown.
Libraries
After more than 90 days of lockdown, customers were welcomed back inside all Auckland Council Libraries sites across the region this week. Having Aucklanders back delighted libraries staff and has allowed them to do what they do best, which is serve and help their communities with around 15,000 people taking advantage of this each day since libraries reopened on Wednesday.
Alongside the in-person services, the libraries will continue with click and collect services and Ready to Go reading packs to support those Aucklanders who don’t feel ready to spend time inside a public facility at this time. Alternatively, for Aucklanders deciding to remain at home, the library online collection is a great way to relax and enjoy a good book without leaving home. Check the Auckland Council Libraries website for details of opening hours.
Museum closed for Auckland Domain protest
Pukekawa / Auckland Domain is one of our largest and most popular urban public parks. As Aucklanders look forward to a sunny weekend, we know many will be considering heading there for a picnic or playdate with their whānau and friends.
However, we’re aware of plans for a large gathering in the Domain on Saturday 20 November. Auckland War Memorial Museum will be closed to ensure their people, visitors, building and collections stay safe.
Auckland Council staff continuing to support lockdown efforts
Auckland Council staff continue to support other council departments and local agencies with efforts to assist Aucklanders during Alert Levels 3 and 4. Since the region moved into lockdown at 11.59pm on 17 August, a total of 137 staff have been redirected to help, including working with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), and externally with agencies like Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS), the Clendon Pride Project and the Glen Innes Family Centre.
62 staff are still actively involved in their redirections, with six staff on the welfare desk undertaking welfare calls to those who need it, 21 packing food parcels and seven delivering goods.
