Moving to Alert Level 2

The Government has announced New Zealand will move from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm on Wednesday 13 May. Until then we are still in Alert Level 3.

Temporary limits on gathering numbers will be in place when we first move to Alert Level 2.

Cabinet will review Alert Level 2 restrictions on Monday 25 May.

Ngāti Awa Rangatahi

Over the last few months a group of Ngāti Awa rangatahi have been meeting to connect and to share kōrero. Now, as we move towards recovery in a Post-Covid19 era, another hui is taking place this Wednesday at 7pm. We’re KEEN to whakawhanaunga with our ahi kā (locals) and ahi teretere (uri who live away) and put our collective minds together to see what Ngāti Awa CAN look like moving forward post lockdown.

This is an initiative for rangatahi by rangatahi, to deepen our relationships and make rangatahi participation in iwi kaupapa accessible. 

For any and all rangatahi interested in participating in this kōrero we encourage and welcome you to join the ‘Zānanga’ on Wednesday to share your whakaaro or listen in. Nā reira nau mai haere mai! 

Join the Zānanga!
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Changes to two Eastern Bay COVID-19 assessment centres opening days and times

There have been changes to the opening times of two of the Eastern Bay’s fixed site COVID-19 assessment centres.

The changes relate to the Whakatāne assessment centre’s Saturday opening times, whilst the Ōpōtiki centre (which was formerly operating on a Tuesday and Thursday) will move to Thursday and Saturday opening starting on Thursday 7 May. The opening times for the Kawerau assessment centre remain the same.

The opening times for all three fixed site Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) are:

Whakatāne (at Whakatāne War Memorial Hall)

Monday-Saturday                 9am-12.30pm

Sunday                                  Closed

Ōpōtiki (at Ōpōtiki Senior Citizens Hall) – starting Thursday 7 May

Thursdays and Saturdays     10am-2pm

Kawerau (at the Ron Hardie Recreation Centre Car Park)

Tuesdays and Thursdays      10am-2pm

Those attending the assessment centres are asked to note that, depending upon patient numbers, there can be a wait to be seen. Please be advised:

  • Please be prepared to wait, the process can take up to 30 minutes per person
  • If there are cars ahead of you, you can be waiting for over an hour. Patients are advised to be prepared for this and to bring water and snacks with them
  • You will need to remain in your vehicle at all times

All patients with the following symptoms are eligible to be seen at the drive-through assessment centres:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny Nose

All symptoms can be with or without fever. If you have your NHI number, please bring this with you. If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility, please call your General Practice or Healthline for advice.

Bay of Plenty Community Based Health Services Lead Dr Joe Bourne said hours at the CBACs would continue to change according to demand.

“Following on from previous statements made when we see, or anticipate, changes in demand we will increase or reduce our capacity to suit. We want these services to be as accessible as possible for our community, whilst also making best use of our resources.

“Depending on what’s happening within our communities as we move forward we will continue to flex with demand and amend opening hours accordingly. I would like to say that we’re really grateful to the community for their understanding with this approach.”

For the latest information on CBACs opening times please go to: https://covid19.bopdhb.govt.nz/assessment-centres/

For more details contact:

James Fuller

Communications Advisor – Bay of Plenty District Health Board

DDI: 07 579 8411

Mobile: 027 839 1791

Email: james.fuller@bopdhb.govt.nz