Alert Level 2 - Prepare - The disease is contained, but the risk of community transmission remains.
Contents
Response
Welfare & Support
- For general welfare support please call the Ministry of Social Development Hotline on 0800 779 997
- Foreign Nationals needing any support please call the Aoraki Migrant Centre on 03 687 7371
Current Situation
Alert Level 2 is not life as normal. You can still go to work and school, but you should:
- keep your distance from other people in public
- wash your hands
- sneeze and cough into your elbow
- keep a track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen
- wear a mask if you can.
- Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving home.
The government is continuing to:
- keep tight controls in place at our borders
- test for COVID-19
- find and self-isolate anyone who is unwell, as well as their close contacts.
Self-isolation, quarantine and testing
At Alert Level 2, people who are a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19, or who are a close contact of a case, should self-isolate for 14 days, or until cleared by a doctor.
People arriving from overseas will continue to be placed in managed isolation for 14 days, or quarantine if they are showing symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested — contact your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
More national level information is at covid19.govt.nz
As a provider of many of the services that you rely on every day, it’s important that Timaru District Council takes the current pandemic risk seriously so we can all get through.
We have activated our pandemic management group, to coordinate planning across the organisation and ensure that we can do everything possible to minimise the impact of this issue and maintain the resources available to keep essential services going.
You can get updates on the status of all our services on the pandemic hub, and read our pandemic plan for yourself in the Related Information Box on the right.
While we are working to ensure that we keep things going, you can also play your part in helping prevent the spread of Covid-19 throughout the community by following the Ministry of Health Guidelines.
Alert Level 2 is not life as normal. You can still go to work and school, but you should:
- keep your distance from other people in public
- wash your hands
- sneeze and cough into your elbow
- keep a track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen
- wear a mask if you can.
- Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving home.
The government is continuing to:
- keep tight controls in place at our borders
- test for COVID-19
- find and self-isolate anyone who is unwell, as well as their close contacts.
Self-isolation, quarantine and testing
At Alert Level 2, people who are a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19, or who are a close contact of a case, should self-isolate for 14 days, or until cleared by a doctor.
People arriving from overseas will continue to be placed in managed isolation for 14 days, or quarantine if they are showing symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested — contact your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
More national level information is at covid19.govt.nz
As a provider of many of the services that you rely on every day, it’s important that Timaru District Council takes the current pandemic risk seriously so we can all get through.
We have activated our pandemic management group, to coordinate planning across the organisation and ensure that we can do everything possible to minimise the impact of this issue and maintain the resources available to keep essential services going.
You can get updates on the status of all our services on the pandemic hub, and read our pandemic plan for yourself in the Related Information Box on the right.
While we are working to ensure that we keep things going, you can also play your part in helping prevent the spread of Covid-19 throughout the community by following the Ministry of Health Guidelines.
Council Services at Level 2
Infrastructure (Water, Waste, Roads, etc)
Drinking water and wastewater
Services will continue as normal.
Kerbside collection
- 3-Bin Service fully operational with recycling and organic materials diverted from landfill.
- Please sort your rubbish, recycling and organics as normal, contaminated bins will not be collected.
- Please ensure your bin isn’t blocked by cars and is well spaced to allow for efficient collection.
Redruth and Transfer Stations
Full information is available in our Waste Minimisation section.
- All Transfer stations now open, please check link above for times.
- Please use your closest Transfer Station.
- Physical distancing rules will apply.
- Covid 19 tracing recording of car registrations at gate.
Roading
Services as normal.
Drinking water and wastewater
Services will continue as normal.
Kerbside collection
- 3-Bin Service fully operational with recycling and organic materials diverted from landfill.
- Please sort your rubbish, recycling and organics as normal, contaminated bins will not be collected.
- Please ensure your bin isn’t blocked by cars and is well spaced to allow for efficient collection.
Redruth and Transfer Stations
Full information is available in our Waste Minimisation section.
- All Transfer stations now open, please check link above for times.
- Please use your closest Transfer Station.
- Physical distancing rules will apply.
- Covid 19 tracing recording of car registrations at gate.
Roading
Services as normal.
Community Facilities (Libraries, Pools, Parks, etc)
Airport
Air New Zealand has resumed a limited schedule from Timaru Airport. Physical distancing rules will be in place, please scan the QR code for contact tracing.
Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre (CBay)
- The Chillax area, hydroslides, children’s play area and toddlers pool are closed.
- Between 3.30-5.30pm today and Thursday pool entry will only be for Learn to Swim and squad customers( ie no Public swimming.)
- Limit of 100 persons in gym or pool/cafe areas at one time.
- Physical distancing applies.
- You'll need to sign-in for our records.
- Please scan the QR code for your contact tracing.
Heritage Facilities
South Canterbury Museum and Aigantighe Art Gallery are open as normal, physical distancing and a limit of 100 people applies at any one time. You'll need to sign-in for our records. Please scan the QR code on entry for contact tracing purposes.
Libraries
Capacity limits apply at all Libraries:
Timaru Adults': 50 people
Timaru Children's: 20 people
Geraldine and Temuka: 20 people
To enable more people to visit, please keep browsing time to a maximum of 15 minutes.
You'll need to sign-in for our records. Please scan the QR code on entry for contact tracing purposes.
Parks
Parks, Playgrounds, Dog Park, and all Walkways except part of Saltwater Creek beside the Redruth landfill and the extension to the Dashing Rocks walkway at Smithfield are open.
BBQs, outdoor showers, Graeme Paterson Conservatory and Caroline Bay aviary will be opened and will feature QR tracking codes, please use them.
Airport
Air New Zealand has resumed a limited schedule from Timaru Airport. Physical distancing rules will be in place, please scan the QR code for contact tracing.
Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre (CBay)
- The Chillax area, hydroslides, children’s play area and toddlers pool are closed.
- Between 3.30-5.30pm today and Thursday pool entry will only be for Learn to Swim and squad customers( ie no Public swimming.)
- Limit of 100 persons in gym or pool/cafe areas at one time.
- Physical distancing applies.
- You'll need to sign-in for our records.
- Please scan the QR code for your contact tracing.
Heritage Facilities
South Canterbury Museum and Aigantighe Art Gallery are open as normal, physical distancing and a limit of 100 people applies at any one time. You'll need to sign-in for our records. Please scan the QR code on entry for contact tracing purposes.
Libraries
Capacity limits apply at all Libraries:
Timaru Adults': 50 people
Timaru Children's: 20 people
Geraldine and Temuka: 20 people
To enable more people to visit, please keep browsing time to a maximum of 15 minutes.
You'll need to sign-in for our records. Please scan the QR code on entry for contact tracing purposes.
Parks
Parks, Playgrounds, Dog Park, and all Walkways except part of Saltwater Creek beside the Redruth landfill and the extension to the Dashing Rocks walkway at Smithfield are open.
BBQs, outdoor showers, Graeme Paterson Conservatory and Caroline Bay aviary will be opened and will feature QR tracking codes, please use them.
Environmental Services (Building, Planning, Animals, Bylaws)
Building Control
- Building unit can undertake its full range of duties.
- All applications are to remain digital, contact us if you need help with this.
- Land Information Memorandum (LIM) can be processed.
- All inspections are back to normal with the use of the remote option.
Please submit all applications via the portal. All other supplementary forms are on the TDC website (editable PDF) and you can attach them to your application.
The Temuka and Geraldine service centres will not be accepting building consent applications or any consent documentation over the counter. Any forms or notifications can be emailed to building@timdc.govt.nz.
Inspections are back to normal. All inspections are to be booked in the same way, by calling customer services on 03 687 7200. Inspections can be performed either in person (as normal) or virtually (via an inspection app). You may be contacted by the inspector and asked to perform a virtual inspection. This is a very simple process and only requires a responsible person with a smart phone to be on site.
For all general building enquiries you can contact David Williams by email or phone david.williams@timdc.govt.nz or 03 687 7236 and now in the office at the main building during normal business hours.
Planning
The planning unit is fully operational.
Animal Control
Animal Control Services are operating as normal.
Dogs
- Dogs must be on lead in all public places except for marked dog exercise areas.
- Please be aware of social distancing and ensure your dog is kept under control and away from on leash dogs.
- Please pick up your dog poo, we will issue an infringement to anyone caught leaving it behind.
Abandoned vehicles
Abandoned vehicles will be dealt with normally, please contact us via enquiry@timdc.govt.nz our fix it form.
Parking Control
Parking time limits and metred parking as normal. Free parking available at Library car park during renovations.
Food safety, Liquor Licencing
Services Operating as normal.
All services are subject to change with no notice if COVID Alert Level changes.
Building Control
- Building unit can undertake its full range of duties.
- All applications are to remain digital, contact us if you need help with this.
- Land Information Memorandum (LIM) can be processed.
- All inspections are back to normal with the use of the remote option.
Please submit all applications via the portal. All other supplementary forms are on the TDC website (editable PDF) and you can attach them to your application.
The Temuka and Geraldine service centres will not be accepting building consent applications or any consent documentation over the counter. Any forms or notifications can be emailed to building@timdc.govt.nz.
Inspections are back to normal. All inspections are to be booked in the same way, by calling customer services on 03 687 7200. Inspections can be performed either in person (as normal) or virtually (via an inspection app). You may be contacted by the inspector and asked to perform a virtual inspection. This is a very simple process and only requires a responsible person with a smart phone to be on site.
For all general building enquiries you can contact David Williams by email or phone david.williams@timdc.govt.nz or 03 687 7236 and now in the office at the main building during normal business hours.
Planning
The planning unit is fully operational.
Animal Control
Animal Control Services are operating as normal.
Dogs
- Dogs must be on lead in all public places except for marked dog exercise areas.
- Please be aware of social distancing and ensure your dog is kept under control and away from on leash dogs.
- Please pick up your dog poo, we will issue an infringement to anyone caught leaving it behind.
Abandoned vehicles
Abandoned vehicles will be dealt with normally, please contact us via enquiry@timdc.govt.nz our fix it form.
Parking Control
Parking time limits and metred parking as normal. Free parking available at Library car park during renovations.
Food safety, Liquor Licencing
Services Operating as normal.
All services are subject to change with no notice if COVID Alert Level changes.
Governance (Council Meetings, Citizenship)
- Meetings in Level 2 may continue remotely.
- Times and venues for meetings may alter at short notice.
- Agendas and minutes will be available from the Council website at https://www.timaru.govt.nz/council/council-and-committee-meetings.
- Meetings in Level 2 may continue remotely.
- Times and venues for meetings may alter at short notice.
- Agendas and minutes will be available from the Council website at https://www.timaru.govt.nz/council/council-and-committee-meetings.
Customer Service Teams
- Timaru Customer Services, Temuka and Geraldine Service Centres are open as normal.
- Please scan the QR Code on entry to enable contact tracing.
- Most transactions are able to be completed remotely via phone or web site.
- There are a variety of payment options available for customers. Please give us a call to discuss these.
- Customer services is available 24/7 on 03 687 7200
- Timaru Customer Services, Temuka and Geraldine Service Centres are open as normal.
- Please scan the QR Code on entry to enable contact tracing.
- Most transactions are able to be completed remotely via phone or web site.
- There are a variety of payment options available for customers. Please give us a call to discuss these.
- Customer services is available 24/7 on 03 687 7200
What services can you use online?
A key part of avoiding any interruptions to our services is ensuring our staff stay healthy and able to work. You can help with this by accessing our services online at timaru.govt.nz or over the phone 03 687 7200:
- Rates payments can be done through your bank account, via direct debit or by card via our website (transaction fee applies).
- Requests for service, animal control requests, noise complaints can be done on the phone, via the fix it form or using the snap, send, solve app.
- You can pay your parking tickets and re-register your dog online.
- All our building forms are available to download and print on the website.
- Many day-to-day queries can be handled over the phone or via email to enquiry@timdc.govt.nz
- Updates are also available via Facebook at facebook.com/timarudc
- We’re available 24/7 on 03 687 7200 or at www.timaru.govt.nz
A key part of avoiding any interruptions to our services is ensuring our staff stay healthy and able to work. You can help with this by accessing our services online at timaru.govt.nz or over the phone 03 687 7200:
- Rates payments can be done through your bank account, via direct debit or by card via our website (transaction fee applies).
- Requests for service, animal control requests, noise complaints can be done on the phone, via the fix it form or using the snap, send, solve app.
- You can pay your parking tickets and re-register your dog online.
- All our building forms are available to download and print on the website.
- Many day-to-day queries can be handled over the phone or via email to enquiry@timdc.govt.nz
- Updates are also available via Facebook at facebook.com/timarudc
- We’re available 24/7 on 03 687 7200 or at www.timaru.govt.nz
Recovery Plans
TDC Recovery
- For a summary of Councils immediate response to the effects of COVID-19, please follow the link below. We are continuing to refine and adapt our response to best meet the community’s needs.
- There have also been many initiatives created to help support our community as a response to COVID-19. These included providing online alternatives for our community facilities such as the Cbay Gym or Library, emergency requests continued to be safely addressed throughout lockdown and we are offering payment plan options for some registrations and licenses. For further details please follow the link below.
- We are monitoring data from around the district to ensure our community needs are being met. If you have any feedback, please get in touch with us at enquirycs@timdc.govt.nz.
- For a summary of Councils immediate response to the effects of COVID-19, please follow the link below. We are continuing to refine and adapt our response to best meet the community’s needs.
- There have also been many initiatives created to help support our community as a response to COVID-19. These included providing online alternatives for our community facilities such as the Cbay Gym or Library, emergency requests continued to be safely addressed throughout lockdown and we are offering payment plan options for some registrations and licenses. For further details please follow the link below.
- We are monitoring data from around the district to ensure our community needs are being met. If you have any feedback, please get in touch with us at enquirycs@timdc.govt.nz.
Re-ignition Panel
At a meeting on 5 May 2020 Council resolved to form the Timaru District Re-ignition Panel (the Panel) to be chaired by the Mayor. The Panel will provide a collaborative, inclusive and multi-sector approach founded on the four well-beings to recovery and re-imagination of our District’s future in response to COVID-19.
The purpose of the Panel is to:
- Gain and maintain District wide, multi-sector situational awareness of the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid-19.
- Bring together a diverse range of representatives that reflect and articulate the goals and aspirations of different sectors of our community to encourage ‘blue sky’ and innovative thinking and provide a safe platform to test ideas and problem solve – quickly.
- Develop a strategy with clear objectives and actions that enables all communities within the Timaru District to recover and prosper in a post COIVD-19 world. Its aim is to take care of our people, our place and re-ignite our economy by driving aligned action in each sector.
The Panel will regularly report to Council to inform the Council on the above work and associated key messages.
For further information please visit the Reignition Panel Website.
At a meeting on 5 May 2020 Council resolved to form the Timaru District Re-ignition Panel (the Panel) to be chaired by the Mayor. The Panel will provide a collaborative, inclusive and multi-sector approach founded on the four well-beings to recovery and re-imagination of our District’s future in response to COVID-19.
The purpose of the Panel is to:
- Gain and maintain District wide, multi-sector situational awareness of the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid-19.
- Bring together a diverse range of representatives that reflect and articulate the goals and aspirations of different sectors of our community to encourage ‘blue sky’ and innovative thinking and provide a safe platform to test ideas and problem solve – quickly.
- Develop a strategy with clear objectives and actions that enables all communities within the Timaru District to recover and prosper in a post COIVD-19 world. Its aim is to take care of our people, our place and re-ignite our economy by driving aligned action in each sector.
The Panel will regularly report to Council to inform the Council on the above work and associated key messages.
For further information please visit the Reignition Panel Website.
Funding Opportunities
Below are links to some of the funding that is available during the COVID-19 recovery. These are not all affiliated to TDC so please follow the links for further information.
Stimulus Fund
The TDC Stimulus Fund is a one-off fund of $2M (GST exclusive) for the 2020/2021 financial year.
The objective of the fund is to support initiatives that enhance and boost the economic recovery in response to COVID-19 and contribute to community wellbeing and stimulating economic activity. It shall:
- Provide financial support to initiatives, projects and events in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis
- Assist the Timaru District in recovery from the COVID-19 crisis
- Provide economic stimulus to the Timaru District
- Enhance the community wellbeing (social, economic, environmental, cultural) of Timaru District residents and communities
The TDC Stimulus Fund is a one-off fund of $2M (GST exclusive) for the 2020/2021 financial year.
The objective of the fund is to support initiatives that enhance and boost the economic recovery in response to COVID-19 and contribute to community wellbeing and stimulating economic activity. It shall:
- Provide financial support to initiatives, projects and events in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis
- Assist the Timaru District in recovery from the COVID-19 crisis
- Provide economic stimulus to the Timaru District
- Enhance the community wellbeing (social, economic, environmental, cultural) of Timaru District residents and communities
Apprenticeship Support Program
Government Administered Funds
Ethnic Communities Development Fund
Sport New Zealand Support
General Advice
Related Information
- Current TDC Pandemic Plan
- NZ Govt COVID-19 Website
- Safe Travel COVID-19 Website
- NZ Govt Information for Businesses
- Information for Local Businesses from SC Chamber
Support Local
Here are some ways we can support our local businesses:
- With all your purchases ask yourself, am I supporting local?
- Have a look at what goods and services you spend money on and see if there is a local supplier
- Learn about local businesses, seek them out, discover what they have to offer
- Give local businesses your voice, recommend them to friends and family, share their website or leave them a review
You can find a list of our local businesses on Aoraki Developments 'Buy Local' website.
Here are some ways we can support our local businesses:
- With all your purchases ask yourself, am I supporting local?
- Have a look at what goods and services you spend money on and see if there is a local supplier
- Learn about local businesses, seek them out, discover what they have to offer
- Give local businesses your voice, recommend them to friends and family, share their website or leave them a review
You can find a list of our local businesses on Aoraki Developments 'Buy Local' website.
Stuck with nothing to do?
If you find yourself isolated for two weeks, Timaru District Libraries has a wealth of online entertainment for you, all you need is a computer or tablet, your library card number and a pin.
- You can access thousands of books and audiobooks via BorrowBox, Wheelers and Overdrive.
- You can stream 10 movies a month from our selection of award-winning independent, international and classic films on Kanopy.
- You can also access thousands of newspapers and magazines from PressReader.
- If you have physical books you can renew them online, we’ve also increased our lending period to six weeks.
Don’t have a membership? You can now even join online at https://library.timaru.govt.nz/home
If you need advice getting set up, give the library a ring on 03 687 7202
If you find yourself isolated for two weeks, Timaru District Libraries has a wealth of online entertainment for you, all you need is a computer or tablet, your library card number and a pin.
- You can access thousands of books and audiobooks via BorrowBox, Wheelers and Overdrive.
- You can stream 10 movies a month from our selection of award-winning independent, international and classic films on Kanopy.
- You can also access thousands of newspapers and magazines from PressReader.
- If you have physical books you can renew them online, we’ve also increased our lending period to six weeks.
Don’t have a membership? You can now even join online at https://library.timaru.govt.nz/home
If you need advice getting set up, give the library a ring on 03 687 7202
Health Advice from Ministry of Health
Symptoms:
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a cough
- a high temperature (at least 38°C)
- shortness of breath.
- sore throat
- sneezing and runny nose
- temporary loss of smell
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
MoH doesn’t yet know how long symptoms take to show after a person has been infected, but current World Health Organization assessments suggest that it is 2–10 days.
If you have these symptoms and have recently been to a country or area of concern, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please telephone Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor immediately.
Prevention – how to protect yourself and others
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
- Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds).
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, sharing cups or food with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have been to any countries or territories of concern or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19.
Symptoms:
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a cough
- a high temperature (at least 38°C)
- shortness of breath.
- sore throat
- sneezing and runny nose
- temporary loss of smell
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
MoH doesn’t yet know how long symptoms take to show after a person has been infected, but current World Health Organization assessments suggest that it is 2–10 days.
If you have these symptoms and have recently been to a country or area of concern, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please telephone Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor immediately.
Prevention – how to protect yourself and others
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
- Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds).
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, sharing cups or food with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have been to any countries or territories of concern or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19.