Waikato District Council’s essential services to continue
Rubbish collections and other essential services will continue in the Waikato district, but Council offices and sites are now closed to the public, following the move to Covid-19 Alert Level 3 and 4.
As of today, Tuesday 24 March, Alert Level 3 is in place. This requires public venues to close and for businesses and organisations to enforce alternative ways of working to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
From midnight on Wednesday 25 March, Alert Level 4 will be in place which instructs people to stay at home, educational facilities to close and non-essential businesses to close. A list of the essential businesses that will remain open can be found on covid19.govt.nz...
“I want to reassure our residents that Waikato District Council will continue to provide essential services to its communities,” says Chief Executive Gavin Ion. “There will still be safe drinking water, they will still be able to flush their toilets and rubbish and recycling will continue to be collected while Alert Level 3 and 4 are in place.”
However, all Council offices, sites and community facilities, including pools, playgrounds and libraries are closed. Huntly and Raglan campgrounds are also closed.
“Council has contingency plans in place and as of today, Tuesday 24 March, all Council staff who can perform their role from home are now doing so,” says Mr Ion.
“There may be some changes we need to make to our services, so please be patient as we work through this. If changes are needed we will notify the public as soon as possible.”
Some other information to be aware of:
- Please do not return library books. Late fees will be waived.
- Please do not send anything by post. If you need to contact us, please phone or email. Our mail delivery service has been cancelled at this stage.
- Anything posted to us over the past few days may not arrive at our offices.
Residents can still get assistance from Council’s Customer Services team by calling 0800 492 452.
For further updates please visit Council’s website on www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz... or connect on its Facebook page.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
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This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.2% Yes
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21.2% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
Poll: Do you think this was the right decision?
Hamilton City Council is defending a $60,000 spend on a flood of water management PR featuring a TV personality as residents face huge rates rises.
At a time of council cash constraints, Te Radar - real name Andrew Lumsden - catches the eye on the council’s Facebook page, where he currently features in three “explainer” video clips about Hamilton’s water services.
Do you think this was the right decision? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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5% Yes
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90% No
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5% Not sure