COVID-19 testing sites have been set up in Blenheim, Nelson and Motueka.
For people in Golden Bay and Murchison, there are testing sites at the local hospitals. The same referral rules apply to these. Please check the NMDHB site for more info.
Due to the current situation with COVID-19, there are some changes to some Council services. We understand you might have questions about what this means for you, the way you interact with us and use Council services. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help with this.
Where do I find the latest information on COVID-19?
Can I use the BBQs in the region’s parks and reserves?
No. With the Government guidelines in mind, remember we are in lockdown and everyone is asked to stay home. You can head outside to get some fresh air, but either by yourself or with the people you’re self-isolating with. Stay two metres away from anyone else. Just as you will still be able to do groceries and go to the pharmacy, it’s recommended you do this by yourself to limit the amount of people being in close proximity with each other at any one time.
Are Council contractors allowed to keep working?
Yes. You will continue to see Council’s contractors out working during the lockdown period. This is because they work they do is essential to keep our district running. Looking after our water supply, clearing blocked wastewater pipes, making roads safe, collecting rubbish - all this work has to carry on.
Please don’t challenge the staff about what they are doing, it is essential work, so just leave them to it. Instead of questioning them, let’s give them a wave of thanks from a safe distance for continuing to work for everyone’s benefit.
Can I take my children to playgrounds?
No. Following Government directive, all playgrounds around the country are closed during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
What's happening with rubbish and recycling?
Rubbish and recycling will continue to be collected, and on the same collection days and times as normal. Please make sure that all tissues or sanitary products are bagged before you place them in your rubbish bag or bin. This reduces the risk of infection for the collections staff who are providing this essential service.
Glass will continue to be collected and dispatched for recycling in Auckland. Other recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastics and tins) will now go into landfill until the lock down is over. This is because we have closed the recycling sorting facility, to protect the staff from COVID-19.
If possible and safe to do so, you have the option of storing your clean recycling materials at home for when the sorting facilities reopen. Make sure that you keep it clean and dry.
All five Tasman District Resource Recovery Centres are now closed to the public. This is to protect staff and the community from COVID-19.
If you live in a rural area where there is no kerbside rubbish collection, we ask you to purchase pre-paid Council rubbish bags (available at supermarkets) and place them on the nearest collection route on the normal collection day. If absolutely necessary you can drop pre-paid Council bags at the Richmond, Māriri or Takaka Resource Recovery Centres where drop off bins will be available. You also have the option of storing your clean recycling materials at home for when the Resource Recovery Centres re-open.
Will I have to pay my rates?
We appreciate this is a time of massive uncertainty for everyone in the community. Financial concerns are a huge part of the uncertainty for many. We’ve had several questions from people worried about their ability to pay their rates.
To make any formal change to way we charge rates is a legal process that would take some time to work through.
In the meantime, we ask anyone with concerns to contact us on 03 543 8400 as the Council offers a number of flexible payment options that may help them through this difficult time. For more details about the financial support available from central government, visit covid19.govt.nz.
Will I be able to head into a Council office if I have a question?
All our offices are closed until further notice. You can contact us anytime on 03 543 8400.
Will I be able to use the WIFI outside of the libraries?
WIFI has been turned off at all libraries to avoid people gathering outside. If you don't have any internet connection at home, check out the info about Skinny JUMP on the Libraries website.
What’s happening with my building/resource consent application?
As we work through this challenging time, we aim to maintain business services to the community, but they could be restricted at times. Key staff are still working from home, continuing to process consent applications as best they can.
With widespread work stoppages due to Alert Level Four Restrictions, building inspections are not be required and cannot be offered.
Current resource and building consent applications are being processed as the conditions allow, however site inspections can’t be done so work will happen online and over the phone. While face-to-face duty services have been stopped, you can contact us via email - info@tasman.govt.nz and make appointments to discuss matters over the phone or through email. Please provide your email address to our team as due to staff currently working from home, not everyone has access to phone calls due to coverage.
Essential utility services required by the District, such as water, wastewater and rubbish collection will continue.
You will continue to see Council’s contractors out working during the lockdown period. This is because they work they do is essential to keep our district running. Looking after our water supply, clearing blocked wastewater pipes, making roads safe, collecting rubbish - all this work has to carry on. Please don’t challenge the staff about what they are doing, it is essential work, so just leave them to it. Instead of questioning them, let’s give them a wave of thanks from a safe distance for continuing to work for everyone’s benefit.
Public toilets will remain open for the foreseeable future, this may change.
Rubbish and recycling will continue to be collected, and on the same collection days and times as normal. Please make sure that all tissues or sanitary products are bagged before you place them in your rubbish bag or bin. This reduces the risk of infection for the collections staff who are providing this essential service.
Glass will continue to be collected and dispatched for recycling in Auckland. Other recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastics and tins) will now go into landfill until the lock down is over. This is because we have closed the recycling sorting facility, to protect the staff from COVID-19.
If possible and safe to do so, you have the option of storing your clean recycling materials at home for when the sorting facilities reopen. Make sure that you keep it clean and dry.
All five Tasman District Resource Recovery Centres are now closed to the public. This is to protect staff and the community from COVID-19.
If you live in a rural area where there is no kerbside rubbish collection, we ask you to purchase pre-paid Council rubbish bags (available at supermarkets) and place them on the nearest collection route on the normal collection day. If absolutely necessary you can drop pre-paid Council bags at the Richmond, Māriri or Takaka Resource Recovery Centres where drop off bins will be available. You also have the option of storing your clean recycling materials at home for when the Resource Recovery Centres re-open.
All offices will be closed during the lockdown period and until further notice.
You can still contact customer services on 03 543 8400 for any urgent concerns, or follow our Facebook for updates.
All libraries in the Tasman District are now closed.
Your issues will be extended, so don't worry about overdues or fines. Any notices you receive regarding overdue books or fines from 23 March, please disregard. Fines will not accrue while the library is closed.
We are not accepting returns and all after hours returns bins are closed. Please hold onto your items.
Visit our website for the latest library information and to explore a range of library resources you can access from home. Please note: You may experience some slowness when accessing our online services during this time due to increased activity.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us through our website, or our Facebook or email library@tasman.govt.nz
Richmond Aquatic Centre is closed.
All events are cancelled.
We appreciate this is a time of massive uncertainty for everyone in the community. Financial concerns are a huge part of the uncertainty for many. We’ve had several questions from people worried about their ability to pay their rates.
To make any formal change to way we charge rates is a legal process that would take some time to work through.
In the meantime, we ask anyone with concerns to contact us on 03 543 8400 or email rates@tasman.govt.nz as the Council offers a number of flexible payment options that may help them through this difficult time. For more details about the financial support available from central government, visit covid19.govt.nz.
In the interests of controlling the numbers of people in one location and helping to reduce the risk of spreading the Covid-19 virus, Tasman District Council has closed three designated freedom camping spots in Tasman District.
The freedom camping sites affected are those covered by Schedule 3 in the Council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw:
The campgrounds at Kina Beach, Murchison and Collingwood have closed (customers had left and no future booking are being accepted). The McKee Reserve remains open but with limited numbers.
The Motueka and Pōhara campgrounds are only accepting fully self-contained vehicles or bookings for their ensuite units.
The border controls that have been in place since 18 March are aimed at limiting the spread of COVID 19, as are the Level Four restrictions about to come into effect.
If you have firm evidence that people who have travelled from overseas have not complied with the self-isolation protocols you should inform the Police so they can take action to protect the health of our community.
Following Government directive, all playgrounds around the country are closed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Primary industries, including food and beverage production and processing
Lead agency: Ministry for Primary Industries
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