
National

Unite against COVID-19
Border controls have been further tightened in light of the new variants of COVID-19. An additional test for COVID-19 will be required for returnees from higher risk countries such as the United Kingdom on their arrival in New Zealand from midnight on 31 December.

New Zealand Government
The list of 154 honour recipients includes two appointments to our highest honour, The Order of New Zealand, and the appointments of three Dames and four Knights.

Ministry of Education
The new year sees consultation beginning on review of early learning regulations. The Ministry of Education has begun a comprehensive review of the early learning regulatory system. The first tranche of proposals to tighten and clarify parts of the regulations is now available for feedback, by 12 February, 2021.
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Unite against COVID-19
Extending support for the COVID-19 elimination strategy to June 2022. The Government has set aside extra funding to support the health system’s COVID-19 response and to maintain quarantine facilities up to June 2022, Minister for COVID-19 Response.

NZ Government
The Government will purchase COVID-19 vaccines from pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and Novavax, meaning every New Zealander will be able to be vaccinated. The new agreements secure access to 7.6 million doses from AstraZeneca – enough for 3.8 million people, and 10.72 million doses from Novavax– enough for 5.36 million people. Both vaccines require two doses to be administered.
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New Zealand Government
The Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern and the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown have agreed an ‘Arrangement to Facilitate Quarantine-Free Travel between the Cook Islands and New Zealand’.

Unite against COVID-19
There were nine new cases in Managed Isolation announced over the weekend. The varied origins of these cases is a clear reminder that as COVID-19 continues to batter countries and jurisdictions around the globe, mandatory isolation and testing will continue to be of critical importance as high numbers of New Zealanders return home before the holiday period.

Sport NZ
Last chance to apply! Applications close at 5pm on Monday for Sport NZ’s new Coaching for Impact programme – a new programme for coaches working with secondary school age athletes.
Coaching for Impact is a free coaching programme being introduced by Sport NZ in 2021. The main objective of the programme is to grow a collaborative network of coaches who influence positive change in youth sport aligned with the Balance is Better philosophy.

Dept of Conservation
One of New Zealand’s premier hikes and a cornerstone of the Te Anau community, the Milford Track has officially reopened. From Monday 30 November, the Milford Track is open from end to end – the entire 54 km – from Glade Wharf to Sandfly Point. Key repairs to the most damaged sections of the Milford track and bridges have been completed, however some minor repair work is still to be undertaken over the coming months. The Routeburn track is currently scheduled to reopen in full from December 7.

Unite against COVID19
Regional

Public Health Advice following Papakura Fire
There are a number of simple steps you can do to improve air quality in your home or office and reduce the risk of pollutants from the smoke, dust or soot impacting your and others’ health. Read more.

Aspiring Athletes wanted in Northland
If you are an aspiring athlete (or know of any) between 16 – 20 yrs you may be eligible for a Kauri Club Scholarship. Read more.

Increase in Legionellosis Infections across Northland
Public Health Northland has identified a small outbreak of legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 associated with a contaminated spa pool at a hotel in Paihia. Read more

Water restrictions introduced
Hamilton and Waipa are under Water Alert Level One restrictions from Thursday 17 December 2020. Read more

Whangarei District Council

Tasman District Council

Nelson City Council

Marlborough District Council

West Coast Regional Council
