Council to reinstate more facilities at Alert Level 2

Western Bay residents will be able to head to their favourite parks and playgrounds, borrow library books and drop off their recycling under COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is preparing to bring the majority of its operations back online under Alert Level 2 guidelines that meet the Government’s safety criteria.

Many of Council’s community facilities will reopen at a reduced capacity under Alert Level 2, with physical distancing, maximum visitor numbers and contact tracing measures in place.

Council CEO Miriam Taris says Council must safeguard the health and safety of the public and staff when reopening its services.

“These decisions are to protect the wellbeing of our community and are not taken lightly.

“We thank everyone for their ongoing cooperation and patience during the lockdown and as we progress towards a new normal. We look forward to welcoming you all back and enjoying our District’s facilities.”

Two-metre physical distancing will be expected at all Council facilities, with signs and floor markings installed to help maintain this. Visitors will be required to provide their name and contact details at some facilities so contact tracing can be done.

Surfaces at Council library and service centres will be frequently cleaned and hand sanitiser will be available for visitors to use. People who are feeling sick or unwell must stay home.

Libraries and service centres

All libraries and service centres and the Barkes Corner Customer Service counter will reopen with normal hours from Thursday 14 May. Numbers at each location will be limited – this will be managed at the door – and all visitors will be asked to supply contact details for contact tracing upon entry.

Libraries’ staff are encouraging borrowers not to rush to bring their loans back as all loans remain extended. Returns will only be accepted during opening hours with returns chutes closed in order for staff to manage the flow.

Parks and playgrounds

Playgrounds, boat ramps and public barbecue areas will reopen under Alert Level 2.

All public toilets will be open at Alert Level 2 and contractors will continue mowing and vegetation maintenance to restore normal grass levels on road sides and reserves.

TECT Park is open for visitors and user groups subject to compliance with the Alert Level 2 requirements. This includes the off leash dog exercise area.

Recycling centres

Katikati and Te Puke centres will be open during Alert Level Two – for selected days.

Katikati Recycle Centre will open on Thursday, 14 May and Saturday, 16 May from 9 am to 4 pm, closing for lunch from 12 noon to 1 pm each day. Please access the Katikati Centre from Wills Road.

Te Puke Recycle Centre will open for two days the following week on Thursday, 21 May and Saturday, 23 May, on the same basis as Katikati from 9am until 4pm with a one-hour closure from noon until 1pm. Please access the Te Puke Centre from Station Road.

Cardboard, paper, glass, and aluminium and tin cans can all be dropped off. No plastics and greenwaste will be accepted.

Both centres will have the same operating layout as during the previous three-day opening period.

Outside of these dates the recycling centres will be closed until further information is provided by the Government and Council.

Council meetings

Council meetings, briefings and workshops will operate under a mixed model – conducted remotely via Zoom and limited staff and councillors in Council Chambers.

Contact tracing will be in place along with increased hygiene practices for those in Council Chambers.

Audio recordings of Council meetings will be uploaded to Council’s website the following day.

For more information and frequently asked questions on Council’s services and operations at Alert Level Two, visit the dedicated COVID-19 page.