Council services through Alert Level 2
The Covid-19 Alert level for Northland moved to Alert Level 2 from Wednesday 8 September 2021.
All council facilities will be open to the public with Level 2 safety measures in place from Monday 13 September 2021 unless noted otherwise below.
General safety precautions
In all our public areas please allow 2 metres of physical distancing from people you don't know.
All visitors must sign in at our reception areas or use the NZ Covid Tracer app.
Our front-line staff will be wearing face-coverings and we ask our customers to do the same.
Surfaces at council facilities will be frequently cleaned, and hand sanitiser will be available for visitors to use.
Feeling sick or unwell? Please stay home and talk to a doctor.
Customer Service Centres
Forum North will open at 8:00am on Monday 13 September 2021, and the Ruakaka Service Centre will open at 8:30am on Monday 13 September 2021.
We encourage customers to do Council business online or over the phone where possible. Please call us to book appointments in advance, to avoid unnecessary waiting and crowding.
Bookings for our Duty Planner and Duty Building Officers need to be made in advance. Our preference is for meetings to be held online or over the phone.
Whangarei District Library
Opening 9am Monday 13 September. Libraries will be set up to comply with Ministry of Health guidelines. Restrictions on the number of people permitted to enter will apply. Branch libraries and the mobile library will remain closed over Level 2 and until further notice.
Te Manawa – the Hub and Whangarei iSITE
Te Manawa – the Hub will re-open from 9:00am Monday 13 September 2021. Whangarei iSITE on Tarewa Road is temporarily closed for maintenance. Please note Intercity Bus services are currently on hold.
Whangārei District Cemeteries
The Cemetery office and gates are open.
Up to 100 people can attend outdoor funerals and tangihanga at Alert Level 2, if funeral directors have registered with the Ministry of Health. Physical distancing will need to be maintained and funeral directors will collect details for contact tracing.
Whangārei Laboratory
Whangārei Laboratory will re-open for sample-delivery from 8:00am until 3:00pm starting Wednesday 8 September 2021.
Forum North Entertainment Centre and Semenoff Stadium
Both venues will be available for hire from 8:00am Monday 13 September 2021 in accordance with Government guidelines for venues.
Car parking
All Council carparks are open and operating as normal. Our wardens are working at Alert Level 2.
Rubbish and recycling collection
Our kerbside bag collection, and red and blue-bin recycling services, will continue as usual. Paper and cardboard will also be collected as normal. Transfer stations are open and operating, although visitors must wear a face-covering and record their visit either by signing in or using the NZ COVID Tracer app.
Parks, playgrounds, public toilets
Council facilities will be individually re-opened as they can be cleaned and assessed for safety. Please use the NZ COVID Tracer app to record your visit to these facilities.
Parents and caregivers are asked to be mindful that their children are physical distancing at playgrounds.
Sports parks
Each sporting code will decide matters relating to their own competitions and how they will manage government requirements such as physical distancing and contact tracing. The park facilities will be open at Alert Level 2.
Community halls
Community halls are open - contact your local community hall board for more specific information. Entry will be limited according to each site’s size and ability to practice 2 meter physical distancing.
Council events and event permits
Council managed events will only go ahead where Government guidance for gatherings under Alert Level 2 can be met.
Alcohol licensing
Applications for alcohol licenses or manager’s certificates can be made on our website and interviews or meetings with applicants will be done over the phone. Please contact us for guidance.
Animal Control Office
All dog services, including responding to roaming dog reports, will continue.
Adoption visits must be by appointment only. The office will be open from 8:30am - 5:00pm.
Dogs must be kept on a lead while exercising (except for off-lead dog parks) so physical distancing can be maintained between owners.
CitySafe
CitySafe patrols will continue under Alert Level 2.
Citizenship Ceremonies
Citizenship ceremonies are currently on hold.
Freedom Camping
Freedom camping sites around our District remain open. Campers may move to a new site if they would like to.
Freedom campers must observe 2-metre distancing from people they don’t know, record where they stay and who they interact with for contact tracing purposes, use heightened hygiene practices and comply with all instructions from New Zealand Police or Council officers.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.3% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below
Become an SPCA Foster Hero!
Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.
Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
Sign up today and save a life!
Tips on Accelerating Your Comfort Level with a New Mattress
Getting started on the quest for the perfect night’s sleep with a new mattress can be exciting, but it often requires a period of adjustment.
If you've recently invested in a new mattress and are wondering about the time frame for adjustment, you're not alone.
Understanding the typical adjustment period can greatly improve your sleep health and ensure you get the most comfort out of your new bed.
The Personal Touch: Individual Variation in Adjustment
When it comes to adapting to a new mattress, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
The mattress adjustment period can vary significantly depending on a number of personal factors.
Age, health, and even your usual sleep position can influence how quickly you adjust.
Generally, most people take anywhere from a few days up to a month to fully adapt to their new sleeping environment.
During this time, your body is acclimating to the support and feel of the mattress, which may differ significantly from your old one.
Understanding Mattress Types and Their Impact
The type of mattress you choose also plays a crucial role in your adjustment period.
Memory foam, for instance, may require a longer adjustment period as it contours more significantly to your body compared to a traditional spring mattress.
On the other hand, hybrid mattresses—a combination of foam and springs—offer a balance of support and cushioning, which might ease the adaptation process.
Tips for a Smoother Transition
Adapting to your new mattress is not just about waiting it out; there are active steps you can take to make the process smoother:
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day sets your body’s internal clock, which can help reduce the adjustment time.
Create a comfortable sleep environment. Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep—consider factors like temperature, light, and noise.
Give it time. Even if your new mattress feels different or not quite right initially, give it a few weeks, as initial discomfort is common.
Exploring more about how to enhance your sleep environment for a comfortable sleep, you can check out Beds4U Bedding.
Recognizing the Signs of Successful Adjustment
How do you know if you're well-adjusted to your new mattress?
Look for positive changes in your sleep quality and health.
You should experience less tossing and turning, fewer awakenings through the night, and reduced morning stiffness or soreness.
Increased sleep quality and waking up feeling rested are clear indicators that your body has adapted to the new mattress.
Comfort with Confidence
Adjusting to a new mattress is a unique experience that varies from person to person.
By understanding your needs and the characteristics of different mattress types, along with employing tips to aid the transition, you can enhance your sleep quality significantly.
Remember, a good night's sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
At Beds4U, we are committed to helping you find that perfect sleep solution.
With a wide range of high-quality mattresses and a knowledgeable team eager to assist, finding your ideal comfort is just a visit away.
Explore our latest collections and sales at Beds4U and start enjoying a more comfortable sleep tonight.
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