Well, we’ve completed one week of level 4 lockdown and I don't know about you but I'm really starting to ask myself what the new ’normal’ will look like after this is over. It makes one realise how much one takes for granted the simple pleasures such as visiting friends and family, hugging grandchildren and popping out for a coffee!
Although we are being advised to keep physically distant, that doesn't mean we need to be socially distant. Now is a great time to reach out to friends and family in a different way, by phone or online – I’m using the likes of WhatsApp and Zoom to keep in touch with my family and friends and urge you to help support each other as we move through our Alert 4 status. If you know people who live on their own or who are particularly vulnerable at this time, I would urge you to check-in on them in a way that doesn't put either of you at risk.
A huge well done to all of you for doing the right thing by your family, community and by Auckland, and staying home. It's not easy, but it's the right thing to do. I've found it heartening to see lines of people waiting patiently outside supermarkets one at a time, maintaining a safe distance, as well as hearing about neighbours offering to shop for vulnerable people. In times of crisis and uncertainty, I love the way our community comes together and looks out for each other. Across the country there are many New Zealanders hard at work ensuring our supermarket shelves stay as stocked as possible - we owe these people a debt of gratitude. Our role in this is simply to shop as normal; to buy what we need for the week and not to be tempted to buy in bulk as doing so will prevent others accessing essentials.
An extra huge ‘shout out’ to those of you who are working in other essential services, especially in our hospitals and within the health service. Our Auckland Skytower will be lit royal blue until Sunday April 5 to acknowledge and support the tireless efforts of frontline emergency staff who continue to do their jobs during lockdown. Over 6,100 retired and part time health professionals have also returned to work to support their colleagues working as doctors nurses and care and support workers. I’m sure you join with me in thanking all for their outstanding dedication.
But we are in lockdown not lock up and getting outside for exercise and fresh air is important for lots of reasons. We are being advised to stay local if we can, rather than driving to a park, and as a result I've noticed lots of families exploring their local area on foot, by bike, even on roller-skates - it's great to see children able to take advantage of the quieter roads and cycle safely too. For those of you with dogs, the advice is to keep them on leash at all times to ensure your 'bubble' keeps a safe distance from other 'bubbles' and to discourage patting other dogs as the virus can be transferred via their fur.
With all this beautiful sunny weather, I can understand the temptation to take advantage of our many wonderful beaches. Swimming at beaches also poses a risk as even the strongest swimmers can never 100% guarantee they won't get into difficulty for reasons out with their control, same we are told for children in shallow water. It's frustrating I know, but for now, we are asked to enjoy the sun from our gardens, our balconies or our local parks. Police have been regularly at Mission bay directing people out of the water (you may have seen this on TV news).
Along with the Mayor, my fellow ward councillors and I continue to meet, albeit virtually, to make decisions for Auckland under special Emergency powers. Holding meetings by video-link has been a bit of a learning curve, but other than the occasional hiccup, things have been running very smoothly. It's amazing that technology allows governance to continue, with councillors and council staff dialling in from their homes all across the region. I'm also still in contact with Ōrākei Local Board; my support staff; and staff across the organisation and CCOs - it's very much business as usual, just in a new format.
Many council staff, like some of you, have been able to continue working remotely. For some roles, this isn't so straightforward, so we have looked at opportunities to re-deploy staff. A great example of this is our catering team who have been preparing 400 meal packs per day, 7 days a week, for Auckland City Mission to distribute to our vulnerable homeless community. With council's staff cafeterias currently closed, this was a sensible way to utilise available staff to meet a critical social need.
Some of you will have noticed that public transport is continuing to operate, but with a significant drop in patronage. I've been in touch with Auckland Transport to ask if we should be reducing services to save money and reduce emissions. They've explained that the services will continue through the week on a 'Saturday timetable' to ensure that essential workers have options to get to and from work safely for early morning and late-night shifts. Additionally, having fewer people on buses makes it much easier to keep a safe distance from other passengers and reduces risk.
I've mentioned the internet a few times in this update, but what about households who don't have wi-fi? Many people rely on libraries, schools or universities for wi-fi, or go to internet cafes, none of which are now available. Auckland Council libraries do have an option where people in this situation can order a free modem by phone (09 377 0209) and connect to low-cost pre-pay internet.
Our libraries also offer a huge range of e-books, audio-books, e-magazines, podcasts and films - have a look at what's available here: www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/
As museums worldwide close their doors temporarily, many are seeking out digital alternatives to keep art accessible. One way to get your art fix is Google Arts and Culture (www.artsandculture.google.com) where you can get up close, in high definition, to artworks all over the globe, including our own collection from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
As I walk around the neighbourhood each day, I see more and more houses with teddy bears in their windows. Thanks to all of you who have contributed. The Great New Zealand Bear Hunt is being documented online at https://www.bearhunt.co.nz/ where you can view bears on an interactive map! The site also has some great free resources for kids.
Finally, an update on environmental issues. First, on the water quality issue I mentioned last week. For those of you lucky enough to live around Hobson bay, it’s important to remember that the area is currently experiencing very poor water quality as a result of overflows and contamination of the Newmarket stream over summer. Work is actively underway in the Newmarket Gully to find and repair issues which have led to the overflows. Both Watercare and Healthy Waters staff are working hard behind the scenes albeit with reduced capacity due to Covid-19 response to improve the water quality as quickly as possible. I’m expecting an official update on progress from staff next week which I’ll share with you. Meanwhile, the easiest way to keep you and your dog safe around the tidal inlets running through Ayr Reserve, Thomas Bloodworth Park, Shore Rd Reserve, Waitaramoa Reserve, Newmarket Park and Portland Rd Reserve is DON’T GO IN THE WATER.
The good news however is on our air quality pollution levels. After just one week in lockdown there have been some significant drops in pollution levels in all our testing sites. So enjoy the improved fresh air and remember stay safe everyone and stay home.
Desley