Central Hawke’s Bay District Council continue to deliver essential services in unusual times

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council work towards business as usual in unusual times by continuing to deliver essential services to the community, during COVID-19 Level 4 Alert Period.

“The Council is actively working to support the community to continue to Thrive, while remaining united, against COVID-19,” says Mayor Alex Walker. “We have driven a fast-moving business over the past 3 years, and despite lockdown and working-from-home, our Council staff are working harder and faster than ever. We are taking every possible measure to keep people in the organisation safe while continuing to provide essential community services in-line with the New Zealand Government’s directive, including roading, drinking water, storm water and waste water networks, and refuse collection."

"I am also proud to see where our staff are being redeployed into other local or regional roles to support the COVID-19 response effort.”

Chief Executive Ms Davidson said the Council had worked hard over the last few weeks to develop a Business Continuity Plan that is robust, agile and committed to ensuring community access to essential services. With the move up to Alert Level 4 and the declaration of a State of Emergency in New Zealand — that plan is now in full swing. An Incident Management Team is established to respond to COVID-19 and the drought, which continues to grip the District. The Team continues to work from the Central Hawke’s Bay Emergency Operations Centre and remain in close collaboration with the Civil Defence Emergency Management Team and Hawke’s Bay District Health Board.

All staff other than key roles of the Incident Management Team, and essential workers are working remotely from home.
 
While observing the lockdown over the coming weeks, all meetings of the Council will be held via audio-visual links, with the opportunity for public viewing via media channels currently being enabled. Council continues to make the vital decisions for the District, including next year’s Annual Plan budgets;  and the financial support mechanisms put in place for the Council and community recovery following COVID-19.

All public facilities are closed, including service centres, libraries, swimming pools, playgrounds and public toilets.

Normal kerbside rubbish and recycling collection is continuing. For those rural residents who live outside of refuse collection areas, Council will be making the Waipawa Transfer Station available, under strict safety monitoring measures at limited times during the week.
 
Further information can be found on the Council website, official Facebook page and by contacting Council’s Customer Service Experience team who continue to operate and advise what services are available. Frequently asked questions relating to Council's Facilities and Services can be found at: https://www.chbdc.govt.nz/our-council/covid-19/faqs/

17 January 2022

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