A nationwide state of emergency has been declared at 12.21 today due to COVID-19.
This covers all of New Zealand including the Chatham Islands, Stewart Island and other offshore islands.
Visit www.covid19.govt.nz for COVID-19 information and updates
As the current COVID-19 situation continues to develop, we wanted to link you to some key information sources that you can share with whānau.
We are at Level 3 and moving to Level 4 at 11,59pm tonight (Weds 25 March). At this point, only essential services will operate.
The government has confirmed that
Food will always be available – production will continue, distribution will continue, supermarkets will continue. You will always have access to food.
Medicines will always be available.
Healthcare for those that need it will be available.
Your usual financial support, like benefits, will continue as normal.
Remember, whatever you do must be solitary. Only spend time with those who you are in self-isolation with, and keep your distance from all others at all times.
Sources of current and correct information:
1. https://covid19.govt.nz/ This site provides an All of Government update which is updated on a regular basis and covers a wide range of issues from Public Health, Border Control, Economic Matters, Education, Workplace, Welfare, Travel and Infrastructure matters, etc.
You can also sign up for a daily newsletter of COVID national-level information here: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/i/ADC3F2ED21BCFD3C
2. www.health.govt.nz provides
for all health updates and announcements – including information about Covid-19
cases
3. Follow the Unite Against Covid-19 Facebook page to
get the most recent and accurate information.
You can find out more about the Alert Level system here: https://covid19.govt.nz/assets/COVID_Alert-levels.pdf
The more informed we all are the more effective we can be at mitigating the spread of Covid-19, stay safe and well.
He waka eke noa.
Ngā mihi o te wā ki a koutou.
At these uncertain times we remain focussed on our iwi response to Whakaari and Covid-19, and are working as quickly as we can to get regular communications out to you. We are working with Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngati Awa to implement our iwi response and we will provide updates as they become available. We are planning for the social, cultural and economic impacts of Whakaari and Covid-19, and recognise that recovery will be long term.
With the new alert levels announced Monday 23 March we are closing the Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa offices and Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae from Tuesday 24 March.
We will remain contactable via our regular phone numbers 073070760, 0800464284, and email runanga@ngatiawa.iwi.nz, individual staff member’s emails, video and audio conferencing.
Staff will continue working remotely, and we are only expecting the face to face nature of our functions to change.
Some marae have already closed, and we will continue to support tangihanga with Pātaka kai. If you require Pātaka kai and Customary Fisheries permits please contact our office using the contact details above.
Ngā manaakitanga o te waahi ngaro ki runga i a tātau i tēnei wā.
END
Have your say about the proposed whitebait regulations
20 March 2020
Te Mānuka Tūtahi
Pōhiri – 1pm
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
13 March 2020
Iwi and Council successfully attract funding for major Whakatāne Regeneration projects
Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Whakatāne District Council are excited to announce their successful applications to the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF).
Minister Shane Jones announced today that a contribution of more than $36 million will be made towards three significant projects with wide-reaching benefits for the Whakatāne District.
The development of a new boat harbour, the revitalisation of the town centre and riverfront and the transformation of the Whakatāne Army Hall will go ahead as part of a suite of joint applications under the Whakatāne Regeneration Programme.
The Government’s Provincial Growth Fund has committed a total of $19.6 million to the boat harbour development, $9.6m to the Riverfront Revitalisation project and $7.6 million to Kāinga, (home, village, residence) the transformation of the Whakatāne Army Hall into a vibrant destination for local, national and international visitors.
Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited (NAGHL) Chair Paul Quinn says the community is still recovering from the impact of the Whakaari tragedy and so this announcement is gratefully welcomed.
“This is an important opportunity for NAGHL to work with the Trust and the Council as we find ways to contribute, lift productivity and participate in the regional economy together,” he says.
Whakatāne District Mayor Judy Turner agrees, saying the collaboration represents a defining moment for the region and signals an incredible opportunity for economic development and transformational uplift across the whole District.
“The benefits of both projects to local business and the community are huge. This is about working in partnership and identifying ways we can realise our long-term aspirations for our people,” says Mayor Turner.
“Whakatāne is home to two of the three largest aluminium boat builders in the country. The investment in a new boat harbour will allow us to deliver the fit-for-purpose infrastructure to drive more growth and employment in the marine and tourism sectors.”
“Transforming the town and riverfront areas will increase private sector investment and create a vibrant town centre for our community to enjoy, as well as supporting Whakatāne on the journey to become a world-class small-town destination for tourists,” she says.
It is estimated that through these two projects a total of 930 jobs could be created by 2050 with at least 450 of those roles operational in the next decade.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Chair Joe Harawira says the Kāinga project will provide a physical ‘heart’ to the Whakatāne town centre and complement the riverside regeneration aspirations.
“Kāinga will promote and celebrate our unique heritage, culture and stories. This new destination will support iwi, wider community, recreational and commercial activities and create a gathering place for manuhiri (visitors) and locals.”
Te Rāhui Lands Trust Chair Brian Simpson says the Trust will play a lead role in the boat harbour development.
“This is a historical moment for us as we undertake this work in partnership to realise our collective goals,” says Mr Simpson.
“For us, it’s about taking a balanced approach. As kaitiaki we will ensure that the mauri of our whenua and the river will be enhanced by the project while also creating a development that will provide a sustainable solution for the marine sector. The project will deliver intergenerational outcomes for our owners, hapū and the wider Whakatāne community.”
This announcement secures funding to key catalytic infrastructure projects that are seen as essential to unlocking the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s economic future, says Mayor Judy.
“It’s an exciting time for the whole Eastern Bay. We are delighted at the opportunity to co-invest with Central Government to accelerate these investment opportunities and the benefits they will bring to our region,” she says.
The project partners look forward to engaging the wider community and seeking specific feedback that will go towards shaping the Whakatāne Regeneration projects within the scope of the funding programme.
ENDS
Editor notes:
Benefits from boat harbour and riverfront revitalisation projects by numbers:
| MEDIA STATEMENT Hon Shane Jones Minister for Regional Economic Development 13 March 2020 Strictly embargoed until 9.40am Whakatāne to get $36.8m PGF boost | |
| The Government is investing $36.8 million into waterfront and visitor projects that will help transform Whakatāne and the wider eastern Bay of Plenty region, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced today. The investment in three projects, through the Provincial Growth Fund and the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, will help build the local economy, create hundreds of jobs, attract future investment and unlock tourism and cultural and commercial opportunities across the district. The investment will support the development of a new commercial boat harbour, revitalisation of the riverfront and town centre, and the development of a new visitor hub and cultural centre. “These projects are part of the Whakatāne Regeneration Programme jointly developed by Whakatāne District Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa to boost their marine and tourism sectors,” Shane Jones said. I’m particularly pleased to make this announcement of Government support for this town and region following the recent Whaakari/White Island tragedy. We back our regions in times of need.” The Boat Harbour Development project will receive a $19.6m PGF investment made up of an equity stake loan and grant. The Whakatāne Riverfront Revitalisation project will receive a $9.6m loan and the Ngāti Awa Kāinga project will receive a $7.6m investment via a Crown equity stake in the development. “ The harbour development will give commercial users in Whakatāne better facilities that will increase the economic returns of the wharf as a critical asset for the local community.“ To be situated on a 10.9ha block of Māori freehold land, it will address the need for more berths and offer better protection from the dynamic river environment,” Shane Jones said.“ The Riverfront Revitalisation programme is a vital part of the overall regeneration programme that seeks to establish a world-class, small town destination. It includes a significant upgrade to the riverfront promenade and the remediation and improved accessibility of the existing town wharf.“ The Kāinga project will see the Whakatāne Army Hall transformed into a visitor hub that will be the focal point for cultural and historical storytelling, retail, and a space for training, meetings and civic events.“ I’m confident these developments will create a sense of vibrancy and optimism in the community, create 453 new direct and indirect jobs by 2030 and provide permanent benefits for the town and the region,” Shane Jones said. Notes to editors: Funding from the Provincial Growth Fund is approved in principle and announced, after which contracts are negotiated. Some funding may depend on completion of business cases. Payments are made once agreed milestones are met. These are set as part of contract negotiations, and differ from project to project. |
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To inquire about pātaka kai and kaimoana permits, please contact one of the following:
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Weekdays 8.30am to 5pm
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Charlie Bluett | 027 524 7710
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