Council outlines essential services at Alert Level 3

Ahead of the alert level change at 11.59pm tonight, Tauranga City Council reminds residents of essential services provided under Alert Level 3. 

With the move to Alert Level 3, not a lot changes – facilities and venues remain closed, and events cannot be held. Council continues to provide essential services including rubbish and recycling, drinking water, wastewater, animal control and essential roading and safety repairs.

It will also resume building inspections, work on maintenance as well as some construction projects and services that can be done in line with the Government’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

Council staff and contractors are out and about working to keep our city running. Please give them a wide berth and maintain a two-metre physical distance. 

A full list of all council services at Alert Level 3 is at www.tauranga.govt.nz/covid19

Rubbish and recycling 

Glass and food scraps bins will now be collected on residents’ usual collection day. Garden waste, rubbish and yellow-lid recycling bins will be collected as usual.  

Transfer station 

Te Maunga Transfer Station will reopen for rubbish, garden waste and some recycling services at Alert Level 3. Tins, cans, paper, cardboard and glass can be recycled from Wednesday, 1 September. Plastics will be accepted from Thursday, 2 September.  

Those with excess waste can drop two 60-litre rubbish bags per household at Te Maunga Transfer Station free of change between 1–15 September. Long delays are expected, due to added safety measures, so residents are asked to only use this service if absolutely necessary. 

Building inspections  

On-site building inspections will resume in line with government and industry guidelines. Inspections that were already booked will be done in the order in which they were booked. The nominated inspection booking contact will be notified.  

Parks and playgrounds 

Mauao, McLaren Falls Park, TECT All-Terrain Park and Oropi Mountain Bike Park all remain closed. Our other parks and reserves are open to the public, so you can use them to exercise in your local area providing you maintain a two-metre distance from others. Please stay away from playgrounds and sports equipment as they are still closed. 

Animal services 

We will continue to manage the pound and respond to dangerous and wandering dogs. During Alert Level 3 all dogs must be walked on leash. 

Parking

We’re not collecting parking fees during Alert Level 3. The fee suspension applies to all on-street and off-street parking spaces, including council parking buildings and leased car parks. If you’re concerned about someone parked illegally, please call our contact centre on 07 577 7000.

Rates 

If you're having trouble paying your rates our staff may be able to help. Please phone 07 577 7000 or email [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. 

Community wellbeing 

If someone you know needs support, head to www.heretohelpu.nz or call 0800 568 273. Council also has a page dedicated to support services.

Contact 

Residents can contact the council 24/7 on [email protected] or phone 07 577 7000. If you'd like to talk with someone face-to-face, you can book a meeting via videoconference with a customer service advisor. To book a meeting go to www.tauranga.govt.nz/contact-us#bookameeting

Reminder: wear a face covering and keep a two-metre distance from others 

When leaving your home, we encourage you to wear a face covering and keep a two-metre distance from others. Face coverings must be worn when you visit any essential service. 

Read the most up to date information on the Government’s response to COVID-19.