Media Release - For immediate release
As New Zealand enters into Phase 2 of the Omicron response plan, Westland District Council is making changes to the operation of our offices.
“Council provides essential services to the community, so we need to make sure that we can do that at all times. We cannot risk losing a large part of our workforce to illness and isolation all at once,” says Simon Bastion, Chief Executive. “Our staff have been split into two shifts within each department, with strict sanitation protocols to be followed. Shifts will work on a one-week in office, one-week remote basis. We are also looking after our more vulnerable staff members by allowing them to work entirely remotely. This way, we will reduce the likelihood of widespread transmission among our staff and the number of close contacts requiring isolation. Importantly, Council needs to ensure that should we have any more emergency events, we can provide the staff to stand up an Emergency Operations Centre and support the community.”
From Monday 21 February, we will provide services in a more contactless way.
Council offices and Customer Services
- Where possible all meetings will be held remotely. Anyone who cannot attend a remote meeting will have to make an appointment with staff, and adhere to any requirements imposed for meetings in person.
- All of our Council and Committee meetings will be held on Zoom. Members of the public can view these on our website livestream.
- Customer services will only be open for payments. We encourage people to use alternative payment methods such as payments through our website. Our customer service staff will still be available to deal with service requests through our website, Snap Send Solve requests and by phone on 0800 474 834.
- Anyone who comes into the Council building must present a vaccine pass, sign in with the QR code or manually, wear a face covering and social distance.
Library
- The library will continue to be open to the public Monday to Saturday with reduced hours 10am-12pm and 2-4pm.
- Vaccine passes and face masks are required to enter the library.
- There are no face-to face programmes or events. See the library’s website for details of online events.
- Book-A-Librarian sessions are available online or by telephone, contact the library on 03 7556208 or email library@westlib.co.nz to book a session.
- There are a range of contactless select and collect options to borrow books, magazines DVD’s without coming into the library, call or visit the library’s website for more details.
- The library’s digital services (e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, film streaming, language resources) and Reading Challenge platform Beanstack are available 24/7.
Museum
- Closed to the public for on-site research and collection visits.
- All research enquiries can be made by email to enquiries@hokitikamuseum.nz or phone03 755 6898.
Requirements at other Council premises remain unchanged and can be found on our website.
ENDS
Media enquiries to:
Emma Rae, Strategy and Communications Advisor
Emma.rae@westlanddc.govt.nz