Lockdown: Changes to public transport, health services and Covid-testing in Otago
Otago, along with the rest of New Zealand, has entered level 4 lockdown which means closing of public facilities, changes to health services, and limiting of public transport.
Healthcare facilities across the Southern DHB will remain open during lockdown, but the majority of scheduled surgeries and outpatient appointments have been postponed for the next three days.
The Covid-19 vaccination programme has been suspended for the next 48 hours, however those with potential symptoms were urged to contact their GP or call 0800 VIRUS-19 (0800 847 8719).
There was capacity for testing and opening of more testing sites if required.
However, those with symptoms were urged not to attend the Emergency Department.
Aurora Energy advised that it would continue to respond to emergency faults and carry out essential safety work on the network during level 4.
There will however be no planned power outages, unless required for essential safety work. Pre-planned work on the network will be deferred until the alert level changes.
The Dunedin City Council’s key services remained unaffected, and the priority was delivering critical services such as water and wastewater, and rubbish collection.
At level 4, facilities such as libraries and museums, swimming pools, and sports and recreational facilities, will be closed.
According to the council, buses managed by Orbus were for essential travel only. In Dunedin, that was for a reduced service and were not free.
Entry into busses will be through the rear doors only, and passengers have to supply their own masks.
Passengers were urged to be kind to drivers and each other.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
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Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.3% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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