Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Palmerston North City Council
Palmy City Council services and facilities will restart or reopen in a staged way over the coming days.
Because of the Delta outbreak, the Government has tightened restrictions under Level 2. Key differences from our previous Level 2 experience includes a reduction in gathering numbers, increased physical distancing measures and mask-wearing in indoor spaces.
Chief Executive Heather Shotter says Council officers have been working on a plan to re-open our facilities with a focus on health and safety, so our community can take comfort knowing they are safe in our premises, and all Alert Level 2 guidelines are being adhered to.
Reopening tomorrow, Wednesday 8 September
Public toilets
All public toilets will reopen from tomorrow and will be regularly cleaned.
Playgrounds and parks
Under Alert Level 2, all playgrounds can re-open. Our team are sanitising them all to be ready for play tomorrow from noon.
Arapuke Forest Park, the Sledge Track and Gordon Kear Forest also are again able to be used for hiking and mountain biking.
Our dog parks, skate parks and basketball courts are also able to open again in Alert Level 2.
Central Energy Trust Arena
The Central Energy Trust Arena will be open under Level 2, however gathering restrictions will be in place. Our staff are always on-site, so if you’re interacting with them, please maintain physical distancing so everyone can stay safe.
At Central Energy Trust Arena, there will be a maximum of 50 people for each indoor event booking. There will be a maximum of 100 attendees for outdoor event bookings. Everyone will need to scan in using the QR code or physical sheet. There will be a person from each event stationed at the entry point of their venue to ensure the maximum numbers are not exceeded and everyone signs in. If you’re on the sideline or spectating, keep your distance from others and wear your face covering. Our water fountains are closed under Level 2 restrictions. Please fill up your bottle before arriving at our venue.
Building and planning
Our building and planning teams have been working through Level 3 and will adjust their practice for Level 2 rules.
Waste and recycling
The Ferguson Street recycling drop-of will again be accepting e-waste.
The recycling drop-off point at Ashhurst will re-open, as will the Ashhurst Transfer Station and green waste facility.
Pools reopen with restrictions
Community Leisure Management (CLM), the operators of The Lido, Freyberg and Splashhurst, have been working around the clock to ensure the facilities can re-open in Level 2. All pools will re-open to their usual hours from 6am, but with some limited services to ensure all users stay safe.
Customers 12 years and over will need to scan in on the NZ Covid Tracer app or manually sign in. CLM is asking all swimmers to come to the pools in their swimwear and go home in them, to limit the use of changing rooms.
Masks must be worn at pool facilities, unless you’re exercising in the gym, are in the pool or are poolside. Once you’ve finished exercising and left the poolside, masks must be put back on. Staff will also wear masks where appropriate.
Because of physical distancing rules, only group bookings will be allowed outside of lane swimming and spa pool use. Leisure swimming is not available at the moment, but this will be reviewed next week.
Lane swimming will have a maximum of four people per lane. Group Fitness classes, including Aqua Aerobics, restart with numbers limited to ensure physical distancing.
The Lido spa pool will be open with a limit of six people, but the sauna and steam room will be closed. The Fitness Centre will open at the Lido with 2m physical distancing required
Clubs are classed as sports teams, which means they must comply with 50 people gathering rules for indoor venues. Clubs must follow 2-metre physical distancing rules and contact tracing guidelines. Canoe Polo will be able to operate at Freyberg with 50 or less people at a time on site.
Swimming Lessons will restart from Wednesday and customers will be shared the protocols for this to happen within the level rules.
Find out more about our pools through the CLM website: clmnz.co.nz/facility-management
Reopening Thursday 9 September
Customer Services
Our Customer Services Centre in the Central Administration Building will reopen as usual on Thursday 9 September. Please following mask-wearing and physical distancing guidance.
The administration reception across the road from Customer Services will remain closed until Level 1.
Some of our staff are continuing to work from home as we stage our return to our usual workplaces to ensure we meet health and safety guidance.
City Library
Most of our City Library locations (Central, Ashhurst, Awapuni, Roslyn, Te Patikitiki and Youth Space) will reopen under Level 2, but hours will be affected as we navigate health and safety requirements. You’ll need to sign it when you visit, as well as wear a mask unless you have a health reason not to.
The Mobile Library is off the road and Blueprint – The City Library Makerspace will not reopen under Level 2 because of physical distancing rules.
You can also now safely return books borrowed before lockdown to any returns bin.
There are no overdue or hold fees and no DVD/CD charges.
All programmes and regular activities are postponed or cancelled under Level 2.
We recommend you check the Palmerston North City Library website (citylibrary.pncc.govt.nz) for details on hours if you are planning a visit to one of our branches.
Palmy Conference + Function Centre
The Palmy Conference + Function Centre will be open under Level 2, however gathering restrictions will be in place. Our staff are always on-site, so please maintain physical distancing.
At the Palmy Conference + Function Centre, there will be a maximum of 50 people for each booking, following the Government’s Level 2 rules.Everyone must scan in using our QR code or the physical sheet at the entrance. Physical distancing guidance must be followed. Our rooms will also be set up to ensure attendees can maintain their distance from other people. It is also mandatory for attendees to wear a face covering while they are in our venue.
Environmental Protection Services
Social Housing, Environmental Health (noise and alcohol) and Animal Management staff return to normal service levels following Level 2 guidance. The Pound will remain as appointment only.
Reopening Tuesday, 14 September
Wildbase
Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery will reopen at 1pm on Tuesday, and from then on will be opening normal hours. There will be staff at the front gates signing people in and monitoring the number of visitors in the centre. There will be a maximum of 30 people in the centre at once to ensure everyone can physically distance.
iSITE
iSITE in Te Marae o Hine – The Square will reopen, but visitors will need to follow physical distancing and mandatory record-keeping rules.
Parking
Parking enforcement of on and off-street meters will resume on Tuesday. We’ve made this decision to give businesses some breathing room as they build their Level 2 operations.
Official advice
We ask people to follow official Covid-19 advice available on these websites:
Unite Against Covid-19 covid19.govt.nz
Ministry of Health health.govt.nz
MidCentral District Health Board midcentraldhb.govt.nz
