2020 News

December

Water conservation - every drop counts

Slow the flow, save H20

 

New CouncilMARK™ report highlights rates versus investment tension

Ōtorohanga District Council has received our first CouncilMARK™ report today, finding a small council focused on core priorities that is facing increasing pressure to meet growing community and infrastructure expectations.

 

November

2020/21 Christmas and New Years hours

View the opening hours of Council facilities and services over the holiday break 

 

Road closure

On Sunday 6 December 2020 the Hamilton Car Club are holding the Gravel Rally Sprint. 

 

Kāwhia & Aotea Liquor Ban 2020-2021

The possession or consumption of alcohol in any public place within the Kāwhia & Aotea Liquor Ban Area is PROHIBITED at all times from 4pm 23rd December 2020 to 4pm 9th February 2021.

October

Labour Day hours

Council facility hours on Monday 26 October 2020

 

Advance voting and election day voting in Ōtorohanga

Find out where you can vote

 

September

Wigs on for Wednesday

Council staff are ‘getting wiggy’ today and raising money in support of the Child Cancer Foundation

 

Ōtorohanga District waste audit

We are carrying out a yellow bag waste audit to identify what we as a District are sending to landfill. 

 

August 

New building consent exemptions are almost here

From 31 August 2020, some building projects will no longer need building consents

 

COVID-19 update from the New Zealand Government

Auckland is still at Alert Level 3, the rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2. 

 

We are still at Alert Level 2

All of our services remain unchanged

 

Waikato DHB - media release

Waikato DHB is re-establishing its Community Based Testing Centres throughout the Waikato region to provide COVID-19 assessment.

 

Alert Level 2

All areas of New Zealand excluding Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 as of 12pm on 12 August 2020.

 

Sport Waikato Rural Travel Fund survey

 Once all surveys have been completed, Sport New Zealand will undertake a review of the results and this will determine how the RTF post 2021 could be better aligned and utilised to contribute and bring maximum impact to Sport NZ 2020-32 Strategic Direction.  

 

 Te Taiao o Kawhia Moana newsletters

A new community newsletter of the community, for the community. 

July 

Tree felling on Habour Road

Inframax will be cutting down several pine trees on Habour Road on 30 July.

 

Proposal to close road

The Hamilton Car Club have submitted a road closure application for the Hoodle Road Rally Sprint motoring event.

 

Water shut down notice 

On Tuesday 28 July, we need to shut off the main water line feeding the Ōtorohanga township 

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA - 14 JULY 2020

 

June

 

Boil Water Notice Alert - 24 June 2020

Testing is completed within the Tihiroa water network and the District Health Board has approved the removal of the Boil water Notice.

Thank you all for your patience over the last week

 

Waikato Helpline 

From Tuesday, June 2, the 0800 800 405 number set up during Alert Level Four will no longer be in operation

 

May

Dog registrations due

Dog registrations are now due for the period 1 July 2020 - 30 June 2021.

 

Watermain upgrade construction works - Mountain View Road 

Works will start on 22 May and is expected to be completed within a 16-weeks. Work will start at the Mountain View Rd/ Kakamutu Road intersection, progressing along Mountain View Road finishing at Gradara Avenue.

 

$400m targeted Tourism Recovery Fund unveiled

A $400m targeted Tourism Recovery Fund, alongside the extension of the wage subsidy scheme and a domestic tourism campaign, have been announced in the Government’s Budget 2020.

 

Raahui lifted on Waikato and Waipaa rivers

The raahui was put in place to allow the wellbeing and spirit of the rivers and waterways to regenerate and rejuvenate. Now everyone can return to using our awa.

 

WWEOC to join forces with South Waikato and Taupō

Western Waikato Emergency Operating Centre (WWEOC) is joining forces with two other Waikato EOCs to provide a combined civil defence response when the country moves into Alert Level 2.

 

Golden Rules for Businesses at Alert Level 2

Te Waka have put together information on the Golden Rules for Businesses at Alert Level 2

 

Play it safe when we reach level 2 on Thursday

Western Waikato Emergency Operating Centre Controller David Simes says with the move to Level 2, people will need to ‘play it safe’.

 

A celebration of food and community: The Mighty Waikato Cookbook

The Mighty Waikato Cookbook, out today, celebrates some of our favourite food establishments in the Waikato, encourages local support as the hospitality industry starts to open doors again, and raises money to help put food on the table for the region’s most vulnerable during recovery from COVID-19.

 

An extraordinary meeting of the Ōtorohanga District Council will be held on Thursday 14 May 2020 at 10am by Zoom and will be broadcast live.

 

Playing it safe under Alert Level 2, but we're not there yet

Under Alert Level 2 we will have more freedom of movement, but it’s up to each one of us to keep the rest of New Zealand safe. It is not life as normal, some restrictions and other measures remain in place to reduce the risk of transmission.

 

Waiting game for duck hunters

Traditionally the first Saturday in May is the opening of the annual game bird season, but Fish & Game New Zealand has supported the Government’s decision to delay the start of the season due to COVID-19.

 

Support Local now more than ever

Local residents are being urged to step up and support local businesses which are now able to operate under Alert Level 3 requirements.

 

April

Frequently asked question's - rubbish collection and transfer stations

Find out more about the kerbside collection and transfer station operations during Alert Level 3

 

No shame in asking for help

Since its establishment on 31 March, the regional call centre has received over 1900 calls for assistance. Of these, 151 have been for western Waikato residents.

 

Webpage launched for donations

A new webpage has been launched by Waikato Civil Defence aimed at the generous people in our communities.

 

Rahui on the Waikato and Waipa Rivers 

The raahui will remain in place until the safety of river users is ensured.

 

Mobile Community Based Assessment Centres testing in Mōkau, Piopio, Waitomo Village and Pirongia

Pop up centres are being set up on Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May. 

 

Help also available for companion animals

Local residents who are struggling to feed their companion pets can reach out for help through the Waikato Welfare Call Centre on 0800 800 405.

 

Move to Level 3 hours away

With only a few hours remaining in Level 4 lockdown, Western Waikato residents are being urged to remain vigilant in their efforts to eliminate COVID-19.

 

Help with staying warm available

In addition to help with food, medication and transport, items used to keep warm are also available through the Waikato Welfare Call Centre on 0800 800 405.

 

Hunting on private land allowed at Alert Level 3

Hunters across New Zealand will be able to hunt on private land with special restrictions when New Zealand moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 next Tuesday 28 April.

 

Show your support this ANZAC day

With services cancelled for the first time since 1916, New Zealanders are being asked to #StandAtDawn to show their support for our Anzacs.

 

Stay within your ability for recreation

Adrenalin-junkie enthusiasts are being asked to wait before embarking on their favourite recreational activities.

 

Advice for community facilities/businesses returning after Covid 19 lockdown

While buildings have been unoccupied during the lockdown, water left sitting in the pipes could change quality.

 

Welfare support will continue for those in need

Western Waikato residents in need of welfare support can rest assured help will still continue during Alert Level 3.

 

Increased reports of social gatherings and un-essential travel during Alert Level 4 is raising concerns with Police and Civil Defence throughout the Waikato.

 

Open Fire Season declared by Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand have revoked the PROHIBITED fire season. This change is effective from the Monday 20th April 2020

 

Keep calling the helpline – it’s working

To request assistance, please phone 0800 800 405 between 7am and 7pm.

 

Household bubbles will be able to grow at level 3, but shouldn’t burst.

New Zealand is currently at Alert Level 4 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 until further notice.

 

Don’t blow the halftime lead – we’re still on level four

The announcement of what will happen when New Zealand moves to Alert Level 3 shouldn’t change how we behave under Alert Level 4.

 

Western Waikato local hero – David Nordell

The Kihikihi resident is one of 122 volunteer buddies available to help vulnerable people in Waipā, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo districts during the COVID-19 response.

 

Sore throat? Flu symptoms? Get checked.

People experiencing respiratory illnesses including sore throats or runny noses should call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

 

Hang in there, don’t get complacent

Western Waikato Emergency Operating Centre staff are encouraging people to hang in there and don’t get complacent.

 

Please hold off posting your “free to a good home” messages on Facebook

Calls into the Waikato Welfare Call Centre are assessed on their needs and allocated to the local welfare teams to connect with authorised volunteer buddies.

 

Report breaches and scams to Police, not Council.

A reminder to please use the right channels for reporting COVID-19 breaches - fill in the online form at https://www.police.govt.nz/105support

 

Civil Defence teams responding as 0800 support calls increase

After less than two weeks of operation, the Waikato Freephone 0800 800 405 has already received hundreds of calls

 

Help is on hand 24/7

Domestic abuse comes in all shapes and forms and can affect people from all walks of life, but one thing that remains consistent is the amount of help available 24/7.

 

Isolation, not isolate – getting through together

Find you’re okay most days but struggling others? Help is at hand with the launch of Getting Through Together.

 

We are all ‘Mighty Locals’

A ‘Mighty Local’ campaign is underway to share Waikato stories, public messages and promote local essential services to boost businesses affected by the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 national lockdown.

 

Information for members of the public wishing to support the Covid-19 response

Find out ways you can help during the lockdown

 

Local pharmacies open for urgent medication over Easter

Sanders Pharmacy in Te Awamutu is the only pharmacy across the three western Waikato districts open every day over the Easter weekend between 9am and 3pm. 

 

A message from Police: Have a safe Easter – at home

Police is urging New Zealanders to stay safe by staying home this Easter.

 

Welfare helpline working

In its first four days Waikato’s 0800 800 405 welfare helpline has taken more than 250 calls from people throughout the region struggling to access goods and services, including food and other grocery items.

 

Volunteer buddies assist residents in need

To request assistance, please phone 0800 800 405 between 7am and 7pm.

 

Local demand for food is growing rapidly.

If you are in need of food assistance please CALL your local food bank first to find out the information regarding their social contact policies during this time.

 

March

Non essential toilets 

Only toilets  on routes used extensively by commercial vehicles will be open.

 

Media release - 28 March

A local Civil Defence Emergency Management Centre (EOC) has been activated to help deal with the non-health related responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic and support the Ministry of Health.

 

Continued support of lockdown will help save lives

Being in lockdown makes us experience all sorts of things: anxiety, loneliness, fear. Need to talk? Free phone or text 1737.  

 

Community Based Assessment Centres (CBAC)

Waikato DHB is setting up Community Based Assessment Centres (CBAC) throughout the Waikato.

 

Creditors process during lock down

We are changing the way we pay creditors to make it easier during the lockdown period

 

Building & resource consents

Consents can still be lodged electronically with Council.

 

Emergency Council Meeting

This is formal notification that we will be holding an Emergency Council meeting under section 7, Clause 22a of the Local Government Act tomorrow - Wednesday 25 March 2020 to commence at 11am.

 

Ōtorohanga and Kawhia ANZAC Day Civil Services Cancelled

The RSA has made the decision to cancel all public Anzac Day events this year. As a result the Ōtorohanga District Council has cancelled its ANZAC Day Civic Services in both Otorohanga and Kawhia

Councillor McConnell Stepping Down

Councillor Paul (Porky) McConnell announced at today's Council meeting that he will be stepping down from his role as Ōtorohanga Ward Councillor. 

 

Residents Requested to reduce Waste Water due to broken sewer main. 

Residents in Ōtorohanga are requested to reduce waste water while a sewer main is repaired. 

 

Te Puia Road - (Ocean Beach Road) 

Update - 10 March - the road is now open

 

Recycling to help 

Ōtorohanga District Council is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of its community by striving to meet its current and future needs, including the environment.

 

February

Low water in Town Reservoir

Ōtorohanga town’s  reservoirs have dropped to below half full and we are asking residents to conserve water.

 

Te Puia Road - (Ocean Beach Road) Closed

Due to the potential high risk of fire  Council has closed Te Puia Road – commonly known as Ocean Beach Road – until further notice.

 

Huiputea Drive night closure

Huiputea Drive will be closed from Monday 17 February to Friday 21 February, from 8pm to 6am each night.

 

Tihiroa Rural Water Supply alert

Scheme users are being asked to conserve water

January 

Prohibited Fire Season Notice

Fire and Emergency New Zealand declares a PROHIBITED fire season, from 3 February 2020 in the Ōtorohanga District

 

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable Auckland Anniversary weekend on our roads

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging motorists to plan ahead and be patient to ensure safe, enjoyable journeys this Auckland Anniversary weekend.

 

Proposal To Close Roads to Vehicular Traffic - Targa Bambina 2020

Notice of the proposal to close various roads to vehicular traffic for the Targa Bambina 2020.

 

Review of the Ōtorohanga District Dog Control Policy and Bylaw

We are reviewing the current Dog Control Policy and Bylaw and would love to hear what you think on the matter.

 

High water usage 

An increase in water use throughout the district may soon see water restrictions in force across the Otorohanga district, including Kawhia.

 

Water quality testing - Waikato Regional Council

Waikato Regional Council and the District Health Board are undertaking sampling and analysis of water quality for recreational purposes once a week during the summer.

 

Anniversary weekend and Waitangi Day hours 

Some of our services will be affected by the public holidays coming up

 

Flushing taps

The water provided by Council supplies may very slowly dissolve the metal of household pipes and plumbing fittings.