Marae update - 31 August 2021

Kia niwha te ngaakau ki te whakauu i ngaa mahi atawhai i te iwi.

Tangihia tonutia raa ngaa mate o te waa, ko te poo ki a koutou, ko te ao maarama ki a maatou. 

Kei aku rangatira huri noa, teenaa taatou katoa. Ki a koutou e noho ana i waho o Taamaki Makaurau, kia mataara ki te hekenga o te pae mataara ki te taumata tuatoru, heoi anoo koutou kei Taamaki Makaurau me Te Tai Tokerau, ka noho tonu koutou ki te taumata tuawhaa i teenei waa. Kia kaha tonu taatou ki te horoi ringaringa, ki te mau aarai waha, ki te whai i te rongoaa aaraimate, kia haumaru ai oo taatou whaanau.

Today Kiingi Tuheitia asks us all to remain resolute in our unity as we work together to protect our community. This evening's alert level changes will affect our whaanau differently, depending on whether they live north or south of the Taamaki border, but no matter where we live, we must all continue to do what we can to protect our whaanau - to wash our hands, wear face coverings, organise our vaccinations and above all, to stay at home as much as possible. 

The daily update today reminded us of the importance of these steps, with the news that the hospitalisation rate we are seeing during this outbreak due to the Delta variant is twice what we have seen during previous outbreaks. It was also particularly alarming to learn that six of the positive cases are under the age of one - although evidence still suggests that young children are less likely to experience severe symptoms, it is certainly a risk that none of us want to take with our own mokopuna. 

We are also thinking of those whaanau affected by the heavy rains and flooding in the Taamaki region, and we encourage anyone who needs support - for any reason - to call us on 0800 TAINUI. 

Key updates

• There are 49 new cases of COVID-19 in the community, all in Auckland. 
• Of the 33 cases that have been hospitalised, eight are in ICU and two of these are on a ventilator. 
• There are now six cases under the age of one. 
• An officer at Spring Hill Prison in the Waikato rohe has tested positive for COVID-19. 
• At 11:59pm tonight, all of Aotearoa south of the Auckland-Waikato border will move to Alert Level 3. 
• Auckland will remain at Alert Level 4 for at least two more weeks, while all going well, Northland will move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59pm on Thursday. 
• 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

As of 11:59pm tonight, everywhere south of the Taamaki border will move to Alert Level 3. While our whaanau in the Waikato rohe will have slightly more freedom, we should continue to limit our movements as much as possible, and travel across the border will be very restricted, including police checkpoints. 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 30 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.