A Message from Mayor Alex - Level 3

With the move to Lockdown Level 3, there’s a little more certainty for us in Central Hawke’s Bay this week, and a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

And while I know that this is a sigh of relief for many whanau around the district, this time I feel that this certainty is particularly important for our local businesses. While they are getting support through wage subsidies and resurgence grants, it is important we all understand that the costs of lockdowns are far greater than what can be covered by government support.  Let’s all do what we can to #shopCHB and support them to come through this.

We certainly don’t take for granted the importance of the Lockdowns to control the risk that the delta Covid variant brought to New Zealand but we must not get complacent. It’s still important to stay vigilant, wear a mask when out and about, scan your app, and stick to your bubbles.

As a rural community, with growing and producing at its heart, we play an incredibly important role in bringing food to tables in New Zealand and beyond. We’re innovative, resourceful and right now, it’s time to band together and do what we do best – get behind local, and support our essential workers to assist us all to carry on.

A gentle reminder that while many are coping and resilient some may need a little more help to get through so let’s keep reaching out with kindness, call your neighbours or family to check in and make sure they’re OK.

If you are stepping out to the supermarket, need to visit another essential service or support local businesses with contactless collection, please remember to wear a face mask.

I encourage you all to stay safe, stay positive and know we have been here before, and pulled through. We’ve got this Central Hawke’s Bay.

Kia Kaha,

Mayor Alex

1 September 2021

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