COVID-19 Protection Framework Council Services & Facilities at Orange

Published on December 03, 2021

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From 3 December 2021, New Zealand moved to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (the Traffic Light system). The framework introduces a flexible three-level approach to managing COVID-19 in the community.

Horowhenua has moved to Orange in the new framework, and Horowhenua District Council is currently working through the guidance from central government. The framework allows a greater level of freedom for vaccinated people than would be possible under the Alert Level system, reducing the social and economic burden of public health restrictions. "Our staff and community's interests and safety are central to our decision making as the new framework does have implications for our public-facing or close contact environments, particularly our community facilities," says David Clapperton, Chief Executive of the Horowhenua District Council.

Vaccination passes
For now, we do not require vaccination passes at any of our facilities except for our cafés in Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom. The cafés will operate as contactless only for those without a vaccine pass. Dine-in service will be available to those with a vaccine pass.

We do not require vaccination passes at our pools at the moment; however, as we work through a risk assessment process and further guidance, it may mean that we're required to change how we operate Council's services and facilities in the future.

While there are some additional routines to include in our days, we're already doing many things that are an essential part of the new Framework too, including:

  • get vaccinated 
  • keep track of where you have been, turn on Bluetooth in the COVID-19 tracer app and scan QR codes. Manual record keeping should also be available at all locations. 
  • wash and dry hands, cough into elbow, avoid touching your face. 
  • regularly disinfect surfaces - handrails, elevator buttons, etc.
  • stay home if you're sick, get a test and isolate at home until you get the result. 

Council Services

For more information about Council's services and facilities and how they will be operating under the new framework, see below or visit www.horowhenua.govt.nz/CouncilServicesatOrange

If you're unable to access the internet or you'd prefer to talk to us directly, please get in touch with our Customer Services team on 06 366 0999

Customer service contact centres

Council’s main office will remain open with capacity limits. 

Operating hours are from 8.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday (or each weekday) to allow for additional cleaning arrangements. More information can be found on our Visiting Us page.

Increased safety and hygiene measures will apply:

  • Face coverings to be worn as per government rules and guidelines
  • One metre social distancing will be adhered to
  • Sanitising stations will be provided
  • Covid-19 Tracker App QR codes at each facility
  • Alternative sign in option available for those without the Covid-19 Tracker App
  • Self-help computers are not available
  • Minimal seating will be available at Orange
  • Paywave and Credit Card payments are not available over the Counter.

Please maintain physical distancing, and do not enter if you feel unwell.

All general enquiries should be directed to Horowhenua District Council's Customer Service Centre via telephone on 06 366 0999 or email at enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

We also have pay-it-online services and information here on our website.

Rubbish and recycling services

All kerbside rubbish and recycling collections will continue.

To find out when your next collection day is please visit our Check my rubbish and recycling collection date page

Transfer stations are open to the public.

Recycling stations and mobile community recycling stations in Levin, Foxton, Shannon, Tokomaru and Ōpiki remain open.

If you do not have a kerbside rubbish and recycling collection service, please contact our Customer Experience team for advice about your area.

You can buy Council rubbish bags from the normal locations (aside from Council service centres).

Water supply, wastewater and stormwater services

These services will continue.

Public drinking water fountains in Foxton and Foxton Beach remain open.

Governance and decision making

Council, the Foxton Community Board and committees of Council will meet in person or via audio visual link.

If public meetings cannot be held safely, Council may meet via audio visual Link, at which point the public would be notified.

Public engagement and participation in Council decision making is invited. If you would like to participate please contact Council on 06 366 0999 or email public.participation@horowhenua.govt.nz

Civil defence and emergency management

Council have activated an Incident Management Team (IMT) to monitor the current situation and to coordinate COVID-19 resurgence activities in preparation for any change in COVID-19 traffic light levels.

Parks, reserves, cemeteries, playgrounds and public toilets

Public toilets remain open, with increased cleaning services at high-use facilities. 

Parks, reserves, cemeteries, playgrounds and sportsgrounds remain open. Please observe one metre physical distancing and hygiene precautions.

Funerals and tangihanga must adhere to the restrictions on the Unite against COVID-19 website

Mowing and general maintenance continue. Litter bins will continue to be emptied.

Library services

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom and Shannon Library will remain open with normal opening hours and capacity limits based on one metre distancing.

Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō (including The Mahi Space) will remain open with normal opening hours except for Wednesday evenings – closed at 5.30pm.

The Youth Space at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō is closed to the public.

Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom cafés remain open but will operate as contactless only for those without a vaccine pass. Dine-in service will be available to those with a vaccine pass.

Restrictions will apply to ensure safe practice:

  • Face coverings are mandatory in public areas
  • Use the hand sanitiser provided
  • Follow the one metre physical distancing rule
  • There will be one entry and exit point to the facility and entry will be limited according to the ability to practice physical distancing
  • Some programmes and resources may not be available
  • Customer details will be recorded for contact tracing
  • Children 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Swimming pools

The Levin Aquatic Centre and Foxton Pools remain open under revised restrictions.

For now we do not require vaccination passes at our pools. However, as we work through a risk assessment process and further guidance, it may mean that we’re required to change how we operate Council’s services and facilities in the future.

Restrictions will apply to ensure safe practice:

  • Customer details will be recorded for contact tracing
  • Customers and staff must maintain safe physical distancing
  • Entry may be limited according to the ability to practice physical distancing
  • Recreational swimming, lane swimming and aqua jogging will be limited
  • The Hydroslide will remain closed under the current traffic light setting.
  • Streamline classes and our fitness classes will operate on a limited timetable.

For more information, please visit our Aquatics Horowhenua website

Community centres

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom and Shannon Library remain open with normal opening hours.

Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō will remain open with normal opening hours except for Wednesday evenings – closed at 5.30pm.

The Youth Space at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō is closed to the public.

The Mahi Space remains open as normal under the current traffic light setting.

Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom cafés remain open but will operate as contactless only for those without a vaccine pass. Dine-in service will be available to those with a vaccine pass. 

  • Face coverings are mandatory in public areas. 
  • Entry will be limited according to ability to practice physical distancing
  • Some programmes and resources may not be available
  • Customer details will be recorded for contact tracing
  • Children 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Animal Control

Animal control will respond to all calls. The dog pound is closed to the public but remains operational.

Please keep your dogs on their leash when out walking them.

All animal control enquiries should be directed to Horowhenua District Council's Customer Service Centre via telephone on 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

Planning (Resource Consents)

We're continuing to process resource consents.

Face-to-face meetings can be held by appointment only and if physical distancing can be maintained and mandatory face coverings are worn.

Site visits can be arranged if appropriate measures are in place. Please speak with a Council Officer to arrange and find out what safety measures need to occur.

Contact Council on 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz.

Regulatory, Licensing and Compliance

We're continuing to process licence applications and renewals.

Face-to-face meetings can be held by appointment only and only if physical distancing can be maintained and mandatory face coverings are worn. Please contact a Council Officer to arrange.

Food verifications and alcohol compliance inspections may be carried out remotely or on-site with appropriate physical distancing. A Council Officer will contact you if this is required for your business.

Officers will attend to complaints where there is imminent risk to human health.

Contact Council on 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

Building Consents

We're continuing to process Building consents.

Face-to-face meetings can be held by appointment only and if physical distancing can be maintained and mandatory face coverings are worn.

Building inspections can be arranged if appropriate measures are in place. A Council Officer will contact you prior to arranging site visits and will discuss the safety requirements with you.

To book an inspection call 06 366 0927. For general enquiries please call 06 366 0999 or email enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

Noise Control

We're continuing to receive and respond to noise control complaints 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Roading services

Routine road maintenance and roading projects will continue.

Parking

Parking services will operate as normal.

If you have parking compliance complaints please contact Council on 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

Strategic Planning

You can still contact us by email or phone to discuss our current projects and District Plan Changes. Email enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or phone 06 366 0999

We are continuing to make arrangements for consultation on our projects to occur in a safe way.

Finance

If you're under financial pressure and experiencing financial distress because of COVID-19 visit the Unite against COVID-19 website to see what government support is available.

If you're experiencing hardship, or feel you might struggle to pay your rates on time, there are several ways we can help you manage your rates payments and avoid future penalties. You can spread your payments into affordable amounts to be paid over the year by direct debit, or talk to us about an arrangement that fits your budget. View our Rates Payment Support page for more information.

For enquiries about rates invoices, payments, rebates or if you are experiencing hardship please contact Council by emailing rates@horowhenua.govt.nz or calling 06 366 0999 so we can help you.

Information management services

Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA), Land Information Memorandum (LIM) and Property File requests are continuing to be processed. 

Details for submitting these requests are available on the following pages:

Land Information Memorandum (LIM)
Official Information Requests
Property File Requests

Alternatively, you can contact us on 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

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