Health and disability services at Alert Level 2
Health and disability services will continue to be available under Alert Level 2
• There will be no changes to planned care – appointments, clinics and surgical procedures will go ahead. People should attend their scheduled appointments at the hospital unless they have been contacted and told otherwise. People who are unwell and may be infectious should not put others at risk – they should phone ahead to reschedule their appointment or to make special arrangements for urgent care.
• Staff will adhere to physical distance and infection prevention guidelines. Patients and visitors are asked to cooperate with Level 2 rules and any requests to them from health workers.
• Mask guidance: Staff who need to work with patients at a close distance will wear face masks. Patients who have symptoms may be asked to wear a mask during their appointment or procedure, and while they are in the hospital building. Patients who do not have symptoms do not necessarily have to wear a mask for their appointment, however.
• Patients and visitors may be asked screening questions, eg about whether they have been overseas recently, had contact with anyone who has been overseas recently, or had any potential recent exposure to COVID-19 such as being a close contact of a confirmed or probable case. They may also be asked if they have recently travelled to Auckland, or been in contact with someone who has.
• Hospitals will operate in line with the National Hospital Response Framework
• Some appointments will be offered by virtual consultation – this has been occurring during Alert Level 1 and will continue.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
58.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.8% ... It is complicated
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.
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Loading…
