My heart sank on Tuesday night as the news broke that New Zealand’s winning streak – over 100 days COVID free - had come to an end. I know many of you will have shared that deep disappointment and may also have felt apprehension about our safety and the implications for our economy. Just as many businesses were getting back on their feet after a rough time, news of a second lockdown has been a real setback.
It has been wonderful in these last few months to enjoy our freedom again; to see friends and family; to travel within New Zealand; and to do so feeling safe. As much of a blow as it is to feel like we’re taking a step backwards, it is difficult to argue against keeping our communities safe.
A quick reminder of what Alert Level 3 means for us:
Travel in and out of Auckland will be restricted to essential travel only, with roadblocks in place
You must work from home unless you are an essential worker
All schools and childcare facilities will be closed except for children of essential service workers.
All public facilities, bars, restaurants and businesses should close.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, and petrol stations remain open and we should shop as normal. Food delivery will be available
We must keep a 2 metre physical distance and should wear a mask when in public
You must stay within your household ‘bubble’
Gatherings are not permitted except for wedding services, funerals and tangihanga
You must stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your elbow, clean surfaces
Keep a record of where you have been, use the NZ COVID app (details below)
If you have cold or flu like symptoms call your GP or Healthline to book a free COVID-19 test, and get tested if asked (details of testing sites below)
All customer-facing council venues such as pools, libraries and community venues are closed under Alert Level 3 and will remain closed until we are given the all clear to reopen by the government response team. This includes playgrounds and any shared equipment in our parks including drinking fountains and benches. Our essential services – like waste, public transport for essential workers, and public toilets – will continue.
My fellow councillors and I were able to quickly transition to working remotely and Thursday’s Planning Committee was held virtually via Skype for Business.
I will continue to be active and available throughout the course of this lockdown and will maintain communication with you, other elected members and support staff through skype, email and social media.
It definitely feels easier this time, knowing how things will function and knowing that we were able to continue to govern during the first lockdown.
At 5.30pm today, Friday 14th August, the Prime Minister announced that Auckland would continue to be under Alert Level 3 for a further 12 days until midnight on Wednesday 26th August. This will take the total lockdown period for this outbreak to 14 days which we know to be the incubation period for the virus and will ensure we can eradicate all traces before we can return to ‘normal’. This will be further reviewed on Friday 21st August.
At this stage, we are being encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 only if we are experiencing any of the following symptoms; cough, loss of smell, sore throat, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath. People who are asymptomatic may be turned away from testing sites. If you’re unsure, give Healthline a call on 0800 358 5453 and they can talk you through it. The test is free and involves just a few moments of discomfort – a small price to pay to play for peace of mind, and knowing you’ve played your part in tackling the virus. here are a number of permanent and ‘pop-up’ testing site across the city – a full list is available here.
From Ōrākei, the closest sites are at Eden Park and in Botany. Both are walk-in/drive through sites so you do not need to make an appointment but please be aware that the queues have been long so take something to eat & drink and please be patient with staff.
· Eden Park - Bus Hub, Corner of Sandringham Road & Reimers Ave. Open every day 8am-6pm
· Botany - 292 Botany Road, Golflands. Open every day 8am-5pm
Remember that you can also get tested at your GP. This is also free, but please phone ahead to make an appointment.
The Ministry of Health created a tracing app ‘NZ COVID Tracer’ which allows you to create a digital diary of where you have been by scanning official QR codes at participating businesses. It’s really important that we all do this so that contact tracers can quickly identify and isolate anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if there is a further outbreak in New Zealand.
The app can be downloaded from the Apple store or the Google Play store and a handy how-to guide is available here.
In other news, Auckland Council’s 10-year budget (2018-2028) ring-fences $311 million through a natural environment targeted rate for projects that restore native ecosystem health through council and community-led restoration and pest plant, animal and disease control. Another $452 million from a water quality targeted rate is being invested in cleaner beaches, streams and harbours. The infographics below show how this funds from these targeted rates are being invested.
I have recently received a progress report on how these funds are being used specifically in the Ōrākei Ward on some really important projects which I know are priorities for many of you.
· Significant investment in community-led projects to protect and restore local ecosystems and threatened species. In Ōrākei these range from groups focussing on weed management to those protecting seabirds and those preventing kauri dieback.
- The Eastern Bays Songbird Project is an organisation close to my heart. They have been awarded several grants of between $15,000-$25,000 through this targeted rate which have allowed them to continue their important work in conservation of native birds through pest management, restoring ecological corridors, revegetation and increasing functional ecosystem connectivity.
· We’re protecting green spaces by increasing pest plant and pest animal control in and around public parks. We are supplementing animal pest control not already delivered under ecological restoration contracts in areas with high biodiversity value. We are also prioritising the management of low incidence pest plants - pest plants which occur in low numbers and can therefore be targeted for eradication.
- In Ōrākei we are prioritising pest plant control at Dingle Dell Reserve; Kepa Bush Reserve; Macpherson Reserve; Martyn Wilson Fields and Sonia Reserve; Ōrākei Basin; Roberta Reserve; Tāhuna Tōrea Nature Reserve; Waitaramoa Reserve; and Wharua Reserve.
· We’re also investing to reduce the risk of spread of plant pathogens threatening native species, in particular kauri dieback. This investment is primarily for track upgrades in regional and local parks, to decrease the risk of kauri dieback disease spreading and so closed tracks can be re-opened.
- Dingle Dell Reserve: The tracks in this reserve are closed and mitigation works are underway to help protect the kauri.
· We're taking action to manage and reduce marine pests and pest plants and animals on islands to protect priority native species and ecosystems.
- Inter-Regional Marine Pest Pathway Management Plan: A Top of the North marine biosecurity partnership working group was formed and worked through options analysis. Staff are now developing a formal proposal for a regional marine pest pathway plan.
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Biosecurity Management Plan: This plan is currently being drafted and will cover the new Regional Pest Management Plan requirements. This substantially increases the number of pests that cannot be moved to, from or between the Hauraki Gulf islands. The new requirements also include mandatory Pest Free Warrants for all transport operators, and increased penalties for non-compliance.
· As part of the Western isthmus water quality improvement programme $361 million will be invested in infrastructure projects over 10 years to reduce overflows into the Waitematā Harbour. Watercare is also investing $1.2 billion into the Central Interceptor programme which will free up space in our Orakei line and $412 million into the Western Isthmus water quality improvement programme.
- Ōkahu Bay stormwater network separation project: Construction commenced in October 2019. The project has completed about 45 per cent of public drainage works and separation of 65 private drainage so far. The project is expected to finish in June 2021.
- Hobson Bay catchment: Investigations are underway around Newmarket Stream, Hapua Stream, Portland Road Stream and Waiata Stream.
· Safe Networks investigations to locate issues with our water networks and identify solutions to make popular Safeswim sites safe for swimming.
- Meadowbank (Pourewa West Catchment): Detailed public and private drainage investigations have been completed, with 238 properties visited. Fourteen issues were found and referred to the compliance team to work with property owners. Six have been resolved and eight are in progress.
- Mission Bay, St Heliers, Kohimarama, Ōkahu Bay, and Judges Bay: Outlet screening investigations and water quality testing has been completed at these sites, to narrow down sources of contaminants. This determines where in the network further investigations are required. Further detailed investigations will commence following the Ōkahu Bay stormwater network separation project.
- Hobson Bay catchment: Investigations are underway around Newmarket Stream.
· Stream restoration projects to improve the ecology of local waterways
- McArthur Avenue (St Heliers) stream stabilisation: This project has progressed to preliminary business case development.
- Newmarket Stream restoration: Weed control has been completed and the site has been
My colleagues on the Ōrākei Local Board has developed a three-year plan outlining the key initiatives they plan to focus on to help communities thrive and support recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Now they’re asking for your feedback on their proposals. The plan has five proposed outcomes.
· Our communities are connected, engaged and resilient
· Our land, forests, waterways and marine environment are protected, restored and enhanced
· All parks and open space areas are attractive and well-used places for both active and passive recreation
· Our transport infrastructure is efficient and connected, enabling people to move around safely and effectively using a range of options
· Our town centres and local businesses are increasingly vibrant and prosperous
The board will be taking submissions until Monday 17th August so please, if you haven’t already, take this opportunity to help shape the vision for Ōrākei. You can find the draft local board plan here, and your opportunity to submit feedback here.
Tāmaki Drive will be temporarily closed to traffic from 10pm tonight (Friday 14th August) as planned, to allow for essential work to be carried out as part of the project to widen the road and improve safety. A 450-tonne crane will install two 60-tonne beams on the pedestrian bridge at Resolution Point, taking around 18hours for set-up, completion and dismantling for each beam.
While all lanes will be closed to traffic, the southern footpath will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists and if needed, there will be one lane operating for emergency vehicles
The forecast for this weekend looks good – strong winds might have impacted the work - so this work is set to be completed by Sunday afternoon and the road re-opened for those who need to use it on Monday. Please make alternative travel plans over the weekend and use the routes suggested below. More information on the project can be found on Auckland Transport’s website.
It’s easy to feel hopeless hearing about all the things we are no longer able to do… but there are still many things we can do, and aspects of lockdown which weren’t awful – walks and bike rides on quiet streets, more time to spend with family, skipping the stressful commute, and enjoying a bit of rest and self-care.
Please look after each other and try to stay positive. I’m here to help if you need it.
Desley