Kiingi Tuheitia urges whaanau to continue to adhere to the Alert Level 4 and Level 3 lockdown rules. He reminds whaanau that the best thing we can do right now to uphold the wellbeing of our people is to stay home as much as possible and encourage whaanau to organise their vaccinations.
 
We have sadly seen how fast the Delta variant has spread through the Samoan community and the severe impact it has had. It was reported that more than 70% of the current cases are Samoan whaanau, and over 80% of the cases in the hospital are our Pasifika brothers and sisters. As a community from Te Moananui a Kiwa we owe it to them to learn from their experience.
 
Like the pacific community, Maaori are more susceptible to the serious health outcomes associated with the virus. This is due to the prevalence of similar underlying health conditions, community living situations, and poverty. The way we act and behave as a community is also comparable. A church service with people gathered in tightly, embracing each other with hugs and kisses, and then returning to multi-generational homes has similar characteristics to an event, big or small, on our marae or in other Maaori spaces. We are only lucky that the virus has yet to turn up at the paepae, at a kapa haka event, at a festival, or at a tangi. If this happens our community needs to be ready.
 
As of today, anyone over the age of 12 can book their vaccination now at Book My Vaccine. The lockdown measures are reducing the spread for now, but they won't always be in place, and our best defence to protect our whaanau and our hapori is vaccination. If you are unsure there is trusted information at karawhuia.nz or we encourage you to speak to your GP about any of your concerns. 

Key updates

• There are 75 new cases of Covid-19 in the community.
• There are 32 cases in hospital; 8 of these are in ICU and of those, 3 are on a ventilator.
• Everywhere south of Auckland is in alert level 3. Kiwis celebrated by heading to their local fast food joints this morning.
• Auckland remains in a strict level 4 lockdown for another two weeks, with Northland aiming to move down to level 3 at midnight Thursday, after further tests are returned.
• Aucklanders affected by flooding are reminded that evacuation advice overrides lockdown restrictions. Around 50 to 60 homes have been evacuated. Evacuation centres have been set up in the region.
• Scanning or signing in remains mandatory at public venues and events, and masks must also be worn in public. 
• The list of locations of interest list continues to shrink. This is because historical locations are being removed and the effect of lockdown can be seen as there are fewer new locations added. However, it is still important that whaanau check these new locations. 
• Anyone who visited these locations at the stated date and time must self-isolate, contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and get tested. 
• Household members of people who were at locations of interest must also self-isolate until that person has returned a negative test.
• Testing stations remain open and demand has eased. It is important that you get tested if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you visited a location of interest at the stated date and time. Visit Health Point to find testing centres near you. 

Applying to cross the Alert Level Boundary

Everywhere south of the Taamaki border has moved to Alert Level 3. While our whaanau in the Waikato rohe have slightly more freedom, we should continue to limit our movements as much as possible, and travel across the border is very restricted and police checkpoints are in place. If you are required to travel across the border for mahi, your employer will need to provide you with proof of eligibility - click below for more. 

Vaccinations 

• Vaccinations are continuing and anyone with an existing booking should attend their appointment unless notified otherwise, or if they are feeling unwell.
• Anyone over the age of 12 can book their vaccination now at Book My Vaccine. 
• Efforts are being made to increase vaccination rate of essential workers, prioritising those in customer-facing roles.
• Extensive research and testing has confirmed that the Pfizer vaccine is safe for 12-15-year-olds. This age group can receive the vaccine from 1 September, OR eligible parents (those over 40) can book their children at the same time as themselves. 
• Maaori and Pasifika can now book the whole whaanau at one time as soon as one member is eligible. 
• The government assures us that the supply chain is strong and there are enough doses for everyone to be vaccinated. 

Mobile vaccination  

Te Reo UUkaipoo resources for whaanau

Tangihanga

• If your loved one has died from COVID-19 then it will be critical for the Police and/or Health Provider to support you with information on what to do next.  
• If your loved one has died from an unknown cause, a post-mortem will need to be undertaken. The Police will facilitate this process and will liaise directly with whaanau.
• A GP or Medical Practitioner will also need to complete the death certificate.
• Any whaanau wanting to make burial arrangements for Taupiri Maunga urupaa must contact Mr Tumate Mahuta on 0800 TAINUI (0800 824 684).

Taamaki whaanau 

Rent arrears

• You don't need to be on a benefit to qualify for this help.
• It's a one-off payment.
• You'll need to pay the money back. We'll put a repayment plan in place to suit your financial circumstances. 

• are 16 or older
• have signed the tenancy agreement (or you're a tenant by way of a Family Violence Act order)
• have overdue rent you need to pay
• may be evicted because you haven't paid your rent
• are able to stay there if you pay the rent you owe, eg: 
• your tenancy isn't about to expire
• you can afford to keep paying the rent. 

• sickness or injury, or
• you're in a family violence situation, or
• a victim of violent crime

• getting NZ Super or Veteran's Pension, call Senior Services on 0800 552 002
• a student, call StudyLink on 0800 88 99 00
• getting another payment from WINZ, call 0800 559 009
• not getting any payments from WINZ, call 0800 559 009.

Support for businesses

There are a range of options to support businesses dealing with different circumstances such as having to close or reduce opening hours, any reduction of revenue, or if staff need to self-isolate. Business owners are encouraged to follow the link below to use the financial support tool. There is also business support helpline where whaanau can ask questions and be guided through the application process.  

• Te Ika a Maaui – 0800 500 362   

• Te Waipounamu – 0800 505 096

COVID-19 testing centres 

• Tests are free (unless part of international travel conditions).
• Take your contact details with you (NHI numbers are helpful but not absolutely necessary).
• You can take a support person but you should both stay in your vehicle unless directed otherwise. 
• You need to isolate at home after your test until you receive a negative result. 

Pop up testing centres 

• No appointment is needed unless otherwise stated.
• Be prepared to wait and do not get out of the car (staff will take a swab through your car window).
• Please be kind to kaimahi and volunteers.