Source: Auckland Council
Tāmaki Makaurau is now under the Red setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee, encourages Aucklanders to make the most of the eased restrictions this weekend, but to do so safely with COVID-19 still present in the community.
“Nearly four months after the region went into lockdown, Aucklanders can once again eat out at restaurants, head back to the gym and, of course, use the toilet at their friend’s house.
“For those who are vaccinated, life at red is a much-needed step back to a sense of normality.
“I encourage those who are not yet vaccinated to use this weekend to get their first jab. Not only does being vaccinated open up more opportunities, but more importantly it helps keep those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons and our tamariki (children) safe.
“Most importantly, please remember to be kind to everyone. It has been a tough time for us all, and we’re each just doing what we can to protect our whānau/’aiga (family) and communities.”
Here are the key things you need to know to stay safe and enjoy your first weekend at Red.
Gyms are open, pools are not
Auckland Council’s gyms, group fitness and recreation centres are once again open to those with vaccine passes. Meanwhile, pools will reopen on 6 December to give them extra time to be recommissioned and heated, for summer lifeguards to be inducted and for staff to renew their poolside training.
This applies to all council-run and council-contracted facilities, including Auckland Council Pools and Leisure, YMCA, Community Leisure Management and Belgravia Leisure centres.
Libraries
You can now enter Auckland Council libraries and browse your favourite collections with your vaccine pass. If you don’t have a pass, you can still use our contactless click and collect services, eCollections and online resources, free WiFi outside our buildings, research and information services via phone or email, or a virtual book-a-librarian service.
You can find out more on the Auckland Libraries website.
Accommodation and overnight stays
As the weather gets warmer and we head into summer, Aucklanders will be keen to make the most of their local accommodation options. Auckland Council Holiday Parks will require visitors to present their vaccine pass, while baches, camping sites and lodges in our regional parks will not require passes. Generally, this is because of the small number of people who are already associated with each other in the same space. Strangers are not likely to come into contact with each other at a stand-alone bach with no shared facilities but could do at a holiday park’s shared kitchen or bathroom facilities.
Facilities that require vaccination passes
- Gyms/Fitness Functions
- Learn to swim programmes (for customers older than 12 years)
- Recreation/Leisure Centres
- Pools and aquatic centres
- Holiday parks
- Libraries
- Arts facilities
- Community centres
- Animal shelters
- Service Centres (integrated and standalone)
- Cemetery offices (with alternatives)
- Visitor Centres – Arataki, Botanic Gardens
- Tipping Point (Waitākere) recycling centre
Facilities that do not require vaccination passes
- Baches, camping sites and lodges (Regional Parks)
- Community venues for hire through booking
- Cemeteries (excluding offices)
- Waste transfer stations
