Coronavirus/COVID-19 updates from Unitec

Update: 13 September 2022

Our Unitec campuses are fully open.

• Face masks are no longer required in most areas on campus but any kaimahi (staff) or akōnga (students) wish to continue wearing them for their own protection are welcome to. 
• Akōnga and kaimahi who are on placement in healthcare settings may still be required by those workplaces to wear masks. Please follow any direction to do so. 
• We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to be fully vaccinated, however it is no longer a requirement to be vaccinated to enter our campuses. 
• Sickness. The best thing you can do to protect health and wellbeing is do not go to campus if you are feeling unwell for any reason. Instead, stay home and call either your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
• Hygiene. Please continue to wash your hands thoroughly, covering all coughs and sneezes with tissues or your elbow. Hand sanitiser will be available. 

More information on New Zealand's current Covid-19 response is available on the COVID-19 website.

Latest update from Manatū Hauora - the New Zealand Ministry of Health

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Update: 14 April 2022

Our Unitec campuses are fully open. Teaching and learning will will be back on campus in traffic light Orange.

• We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to be fully vaccinated, however it is no longer a requirement to be vaccinated to enter our campuses. 
• Ākonga (students) and Kaimahi (staff) will no longer need to show proof of vaccination status, except in certain situations where it is still mandated e.g. health care.
• It is still mandatory to wear a face mask in most campus spaces (such as in buildings that are open to the public like the cafeteria, libraries, public foyers and teaching spaces), and we strongly recommend wearing a mask at all times when on campus.

Health advice is that a vaccine plus approach (vaccinations including a booster plus other measures such as mask use, handwashing and isolation) is the best protection, so if you are due to receive your booster we highly encourage you to do so.

Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is now using the traffic lights / COVID-19 protection framework.

General information on the traffic lights of the COVID-19 protection framework on the COVID-19 website.

Update: 5 April 2022

Our Unitec campuses remain open, however we are discouraging unnecessary access to campus:

• Any courses that can only be taught face-to-face can continue on campus, our lecturers will contact students if there are changes to how we are teaching courses.
• No visitors are allowed inside buildings on campus unless arranged as a critical need.
• Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae and our Pacific Centre will be closed.
• For students and staff on campus the library/student central and retailers remain open: Long Black café, Breaktime convenience store, Nuri & Maru Sushi and Donburi.
• Teams supporting students, our essential campus safety staff, and infrastructure staff remain on campus observing Red traffic light level health and safety guidelines.
• Until further notice staff who can work from home will continue to do so.

Teaching and learning will will be back on campus in traffic light Red for Semester 1, 2022.

Update: 23 February 2022

Our Unitec campuses remain open, however we are discouraging unnecessary access to campus:

• Any courses that can only be taught face-to-face can continue on campus, our lecturers will contact students if there are changes to how we are teaching courses.
• No visitors are allowed inside buildings on campus unless arranged as a critical need.
• Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae and our Pacific Centre will be closed.
• For students and staff on campus the library/student central and retailers remain open: Long Black café, Breaktime convenience store, Nuri & Maru Sushi and Donburi.
• Teams supporting students, our essential campus safety staff, and infrastructure staff remain on campus observing Red traffic light level health and safety guidelines.
• Until further notice staff who can work from home will continue to do so.

How to provide evidence of your vaccination status

For new students, or if have have applied for your next program:
Upload your evidence of vaccination status in your Enrolment Dashboard. Further instructions on the how to complete your application tasks page.

For current students:
Email a copy of your My Vaccine Pass (the one with the QR code) to studentcentral@unitec.ac.nz. Put “My Vaccine Pass” and your student ID in the subject line of your email.  Unitec will verify your pass using the app provided by the Ministry of Health.

Access to Unitec campus walking and cycling tracks

You can still move through Unitec Mt Albert campus grounds. Remember to follow the guidelines for sport and recreation at the current traffic light level.

However, if you want to enter a building on campus (including retail stores) you will need to have a valid My Vaccine Pass, wear your mask, scan or sign in, and maintain social distancing.

 

Update: 9 February 2022

It is expected that cases of the Omicron variant are likely to rise over coming weeks.
Health advice is that a vaccine plus approach (vaccinations including a booster plus other measures such as mask use, handwashing, scanning and isolation) is the best protection, so if you are due to receive your booster we highly encourage you to do so.

Our Unitec campuses remain open, however we are discouraging unnecessary access to campus.

Update: 28 January 2022

It is expected that cases of the Omicron variant are likely to rise over the next two to four weeks.
Health advice is that a vaccine plus approach (vaccinations including a booster plus other measures such as mask use, handwashing, scanning and isolation) is the best protection, so if you are due to receive your booster we highly encourage you to do so.

Our Unitec campuses remain open, however we are discouraging unnecessary access to campus.

You need to have a valid My Vaccine Pass to enter a Unitec building on campus

This applies to students, staff, contractors and visitors at all traffic light levels - Red, Orange or Green.

Current and new students will receive instructions on how to show their proof of vaccination before coming onto campus.

As well as having your My Vaccine Pass, please remember to wear your mask, scan or sign in, and maintain social distancing. Ngā mihi - thanks everyone for doing your bit.

You can get your My Vaccine Pass from the My Covid Record website, over the phone, or in person at a location near you. Find out how to get My Vaccine Pass.

Access to Unitec campus walking and cycling tracks

You can still move through Unitec Mt Albert campus grounds. Remember to follow the guidelines for sport and recreation at the current traffic light level.

However, if you want to enter a building on campus (including retail stores) you will need to have a valid My Vaccine Pass, wear your mask, scan or sign in, and maintain social distancing.

Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is now using the traffic lights / COVID-19 protection framework.

Learn more about what each traffic light means for Tertiary institutions and training organisations COVID-19 website:

• Red traffic light 
• Orange traffic light  
• Green traffic light  

General information on the traffic lights of the COVID-19 protection framework on the COVID-19 website.

Teaching and learning will will be back on campus in traffic light Red for Semester 1, 2022.

A very limited number of classes will be taught on campus in January 2022. If this applies to you, your lecturer will contact you to let you know. For all other students who are continuing their classes in January, learning will continue online.

Update: 3 December 2021

Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is now at traffic light Red of the COVID-19 protection framework.
Learn more about the  traffic lights of the COVID-19 protection framework on the COVID-19 website.

For Unitec teaching and learning will largely remain online.

A very limited number of classes will be taught on campus during traffic light Red. If this applies to you, your lecturer will contact you to let you know. For all other students, remote learning will continue online.

Update: 10 November 2021

Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is now at Alert Level 3, Step 2.
Learn more about Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland Alert Level 3 steps on the COVID-19 website.

For Unitec teaching and learning will largely remain online.

A very limited number of classes will be taught on campus during Alert Level 3. If this applies to you, your lecturer will contact you to let you know. For all other students, remote learning will continue online.

Update: 6 October 2021

Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is now at Alert Level 3, Step 1.
Learn more about Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland Alert Level 3 steps on the COVID-19 website.

For Unitec teaching and learning will largely remain online.

A very limited number of classes will be taught on campus during Alert Level 3. If this applies to you, your lecturer will contact you to let you know. For all other students, remote learning will continue online.

Update: 22 September 2021

Tāmaki Makaurau is now at Alert Level 3.

Auckland has now moved to Alert Level 3 as of Wednesday 22 September 2021. This Alert Level will be reviewed on Monday 4 October.

For Unitec teaching and learning will largely remain online. Movement outside of your home should be kept to essential activities like shopping for food (including the new luxury of takeaways), medical appointments or vaccination.

A very limited number of classes will be taught on campus during Alert Level 3. If this applies to you, your lecturer will contact you to let you know. For all other students, remote learning will continue online.

Update: 21 September 2021

The Prime Minister has announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59pm on Tuesday 21 September 2021. This Alert Level will be reviewed on Monday 4 October

For Unitec teaching and learning will largely remain online. Movement outside of your home should be kept to essential activities like shopping for food (including the new luxury of takeaways), medical appointments or vaccination.

A very limited number of classes will be taught on campus during Alert Level 3. If this applies to you, your lecturer will contact you to let you know. For all other students, remote learning will continue online.

Update: 18 August 2021

Auckland is at Alert Level 4.

• Both our campuses are closed.
• There is no access for staff or students to pick up teaching materials, euqipment, laptops etc. There are also no pickup or delivery services available for these items.
• All classes on campus are suspended until further notice.
• There will be no teaching on Wednesday 18 August.
• We expect that all teaching will move online by Monday 23 August where possible. Your teaching staff will contact you directly with details.
• Staff and students are strongly advised to follow the guidance outlined on the COVID-19 website and Ministry of Health website.
• Our Student Success services teams can continue to assist you:
  
  - COVID-19 questions: 0800 10 85 10.
  - Enrolment questions: 0800 10 95 10.
  - Student Services: 0800 10 75 10.
  - Find out how we can help you online.
  - Read communications sent to students at our stay informed web page.

Update: 17 August 2021

Auckland moving to Alert Level 4 at 11:59pm tonight.

The Prime Minister announced this evening that Aotearoa New Zealand will move to Level 4 lockdown from 11.59pm tonight 17 August 2021, with Auckland staying at Alert Level 4 for the next seven days.

• Both our campuses are closed under Auckland's current COVID-19 Alert.
• All classes on campus are suspended until further notice.
• There will be no teaching on Wednesday 18 August. Classes already delivered online will continue and we will provide further updates as they develop.
• Staff and students are strongly advised to follow the guidance outlined on the COVID-19 website and Ministry of Health website.
• Our Student Success services teams can continue to assist you:
  
  - COVID-19 questions: 0800 10 85 10.
  - Enrolment questions: 0800 10 95 10.
  - Student Services: 0800 10 75 10.
  - Find out how we can help you online.

Update: Sunday 7 March 2021

Tāmaki Makaurau is now at Alert Level 2

What this means for you
This means all Unitec campuses will re-open from Monday 8 March and teaching and learning can resume on campus.

• Your lecturer will update you on the delivery of your class in alert level 2.
• You can also check your Moodle for class updates. 
• All facilities at all campuses will be open from Monday 8 March including the copy centre, cafes, retail outlets and sports centre. 
• Students will be able to access the Library at Unitec's Mt Albert Campus on Sunday 7 March from 10am - 4pm. (This excludes cafes and retail outlets within the Library).
• Hand sanitizer will be available in each class. Physical distancing and use of a face coverings are actively encouraged.
• Student Services will be available either face to face or online.
• The inter-campus shuttle bus service will resume. Face coverings are mandatory as per Government Guidelines. 

We’re committed to your safety on campus

Regardless of alert levels, we encourage you to continue to maintain physical distancing, good hygiene practices, wearing a face covering where possible, and to continue scanning in using the NZ Covid Tracer App with the Bluetooth function on. Hand sanitizer will be available at all campuses and regular cleaning will be conducted also.

If you are unwell, please stay home and call your GP or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice.

Update: Sunday 28 February 2021

Tāmaki Makaurau is now at Alert Level 3

Auckland has now moved to Alert Level 3 as of Sunday, 28 February for seven days.

The rest of the country will move to Alert Level 2. The Government will review the Alert levels every 24 hours and provide daily updates.

To ensure we keep everyone safe as we work through this situation all campuses are closed and staff are required to work from home.

Update: Monday 22 February 2021

Tāmaki Makaurau moves to Alert Level 1

Auckland will be moving to Alert Level 1 at midnight on Monday, 22/02/2021 with the Prime Minister saying the cluster in Auckland is under control.

This means that there will no longer be restrictions on gathering sizes and physical distancing is not required in the community.

All scheduled activities can go ahead as planned, including classes, pōwhiri and Orientation events.

A few things to keep in mind when you're on campus during Level 1:

1. Be vigilant with contact tracing: Keep using the COVID tracer app, and turn on Bluetooth tracing. QR codes are displayed on all entrances to our buildings in line with Government directives. You can see more outlined on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
2. Keep up best practice around basic hygiene measures: washing and drying your hands regularly and thoroughly; coughing or sneezing into your elbow; staying at home if you don’t feel well and getting a COVID-19 test if you have cold or flu symptoms.
3. Face coverings are mandatory on public transport, and if you feel more comfortable at work wearing a face covering, you are welcome to wear one. If you would like to buy a face mask, they are avaliable for purchase in Break Time (Building 180).

Update: Wednesday 17 February 2021

Tāmaki Makaurau returns to Level 2

As Auckland returns to Alert Level 2 at 11:59pm, our campuses - including our communal spaces such as Building 180 (Te Puna), our libraries and Long Black cafe - will open from tomorrow Thursday 18 February, 2021.

Resuming lectures tomorrow

There will be no size restrictions for lectures and classes in terms of numbers. However, we will align with the Government recommendation of allowing enough space for physical distancing of one metre and where that is not possible, encourage the use of face coverings.

Face masks will be available to purchase from Breaktime in Building 180 (Te Puna) and hand sanitiser will be available in most places.

As we move back down to Alert Level 2, every one of us has a responsibility to be vigilant with our personal health and hygiene, and to keep track of our movements. Please ensure you use the COVID Tracer app, and turn on Bluetooth tracing. And if you are unwell, please stay home.

Unitec update: Monday 15 February 2021

• Both our campuses are closed under Auckland's current COVID-19 Alert.
• All classes on campus are suspended until further notice.
• Classes already delivered online will continue and we will provide further updates as they develop.
• Staff and students are strongly advised to follow the guidance outlined on The Ministry of Health and COVID-19 websites.
• Our Student Success services teams can continue to assist you:
  
  - COVID-19 questions: 0800 10 85 10.
  - Enrolment questions: 0800 10 95 10.
  - Student Services: 0800 10 75 10.
  - Find out how we can help you online.
  - Urgent questions: chat with our friendly Student Central team

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced Auckland will go into Alert Level 3 from 11:59pm Sunday 14 February 2021.

 

The rest of the country will move to Alert Level 2 until Wednesday 17 February 2021.

The announcement follows confirmation of three community cases in South Auckland.

Locations of interest are being identified through contact tracing technology and locations and guidance on what to do is located here.

 

 

Update: Monday 5 October 2020

The Government has announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 7 October, aligning with the rest of the country.   

There will no longer be restrictions on gathering sizes and face coverings will no longer be mandatory on public transport.  Physical distancing is still encouraged, but it will no longer be required in bars, restaurants and offices. Restrictions remain at the border for people entering New Zealand and everyone is required to be in managed isolation for 14 days.

We’ll still display QR codes on all entrances to our buildings in line with Government directives, and keeping track of your movements remains a key part of assisting with contact tracing if it’s required. You can see more outlined on the COVID-19 website.

We’ll also continue with the reinforcement of best practice around basic hygiene measures. This means washing and drying your hands regularly and thoroughly; coughing or sneezing into your elbow; staying at home if you don’t feel well and getting a COVID-19 test if you have cold or flu symptoms.

 

Update: Monday 21 September

The Government has announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 23 September.  The rest of the country will move to Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight. 

Auckland’s Level 2 will be in place for 14 days. Cabinet will meet again on Monday 5 October with the view to moving alert levels from Wednesday 7 October.

 

Update: Thursday 17 September

The Government announced earlier in the week that there will be no change to the current Alert Levels until at least Monday, 21 September.  We will post further updates then.

Both our Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses are fully operational but with public health measures in place. These include physical distancing, contact tracing and good personal health and hygiene practices, including regular and thorough hand washing and staying home if you feel unwell.  Te Puna Waiora is open for consultations and testing.

 

Update: Friday 4 September

The Government has announced that New Zealand will be remaining at Alert Level 2 (with extra restrictions for the Auckland region) for a further ten days.  The Alert Levels will next be reviewed on Monday 14 September and if the restrictions do change, this will happen at 11:59pm on Wednesday 16 September.

Unitec’s campuses at Mt Albert and Waitākere are fully open and most classes are back on site.  Students have been informed directly via their Moodle course sites of any further changes to course delivery.

QR codes are on display on the entrances to all buildings at both campuses.  Manual sign-in forms are available for those staff and students who need them.

All staff and students are strongly encouraged to follow the public health guidelines around physical distancing and the use of face coverings; personal hygiene best practice and keeping track of movements, both on and off campus.  Further information is available via the COVID-19 website

 

Update: Monday 31 August

Auckland has now moved to Alert Level 2 in line with the rest of the country.

Unitec’s campuses at Mt Albert and Waitākere are open again from today, and classes are now being taught again on-site.  Students have been informed directly via their Moodle course sites of any further changes to course delivery.

QR codes are on display on the entrances to all buildings at both campuses.  Manual sign-in forms are available for those staff and students who need them.

All staff and students are encouraged to follow the public health guidelines around physical distancing and the use of face coverings; personal hygiene best practice and keeping track of movements, both on and off campus.  Further information is available via the COVID-19 website

 

Update: Monday 24 August

The Prime Minister has announced that Auckland will remain in Alert Level 3 until 11.59am on Sunday, 30 August.

Auckland will then move to Alert Level 2 from midnight Monday, 31 August, but with a number of public health requirements in place.  The rest of New Zealand will remain in Alert Level 2.  The alert level settings will be reviewed again by Sunday, 6 September.

Our Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses will re-open from next Monday, 31 August, including the library, Copy Centre, cafes, retail outlets and Sports Centre. 

Classes will be back on campuses from Monday, 31 August and will resume their pre-lockdown timetables, unless otherwise advised. More detailed communications will be sent to teaching staff and students over the next 48 hours with further information around possible changes to classes, such as those held in large lecture theatres where it may be difficult to maintain the required physical distancing.  Students are advised to check their course Moodle sites for updates during the week.

The following public health requirements will be in place at our campuses:

• Maintain physical distancing of at least 1 metre apart
• Wear a face mask or face covering if this is not possible
• Keep a record of your movements via the Government tracer app.  We appreciate not everyone has a device that is able to read QR codes, so physical sign-in sheets for staff and students will also be available at both our campuses
• Practice good hygiene, including thoroughly and regularly washing your hands
• Stay at home if you don’t feel well

Te Puna Waiora Medical Centre remains open for consultations and testing, but please call 0800 10 85 10 first. Any testing will be done in your car. You can also book a consultation via the website.

Mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport

The Government has mandated the wearing of face masks or face coverings on public transport - buses, trains, ferries, planes, taxis and Ubers – from Monday, 31 August.  This applies to Level 2 and above. See the COVID-19 website for further information about this.

 

Update: Friday 21 August

As we heard from the Prime Minister a short time ago, our current Alert Levels will remain in place until at least Monday (24 August).  We’ll provide a further update to staff and students early next week.

The advice remains the same: Practice good hygiene – and that includes regular and thorough hand washing and using face coverings when out and about - keep track of your movements, and stay home if you don’t feel well.  Unitec now has QR code posters displayed on all the entrances to buildings at both Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses, and you can scan these codes using the Government’s contact tracer app (download it here).  In addition, it’s a good idea to keep track of your specific movements in whatever form is easiest for you – diary, etc.

The COVID-19 and Ministry of Health websites are constantly updated with the latest news, information and guidelines, and you can continue to find updates on the Unitec website. Staff can find Unitec-related content on The Nest and students should continue to check Moodle and their other communications channels for updates.

 

Update: Tuesday, 18 August

While Auckland remains in Alert Level 3, Unitec's campuses will remain closed and classes are being delivered online.  A Click and Collect service for the Copy Centre and Library is available for collection from the Mt Albert campus. Teaching staff are in direct contact with students via Moodle with updates and any changes to online learning plans.

Te Puna Waiora is open for COVID testing and consultations, but students and staff must call first on 0800 10-85-10.  There is a drive-in service offered for COVID testing and patients should follow these directions to our Te Puna Waiora carparks. Please note: please remain in your car and a nurse will come to you to administer the test.

Staff and students are encouraged to monitor the official websites for further information and guidance, including COVID-19, Ministry of Health and the Unitec website.

Update: Friday, 14 August

Alert Level 3 for Auckland remains in force for a further 12 days

The Prime Minister has announced that Auckland will remain in Alert Level 3 for the next 12 days until Wednesday, 26 August, but to be reviewed on Friday 21 August.

The rest of New Zealand will remain in Alert Level 2 for the same period of time.

Campus closure but with click and collect service

Both our Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses will remain closed until further notice. There’ll be a very limited number of staff working on campus, including Security.

We’ll be operating a Click and Collect service for the Copy Centre and Library at our Mt Albert campus from Tuesday.

Online delivery of courses from Monday 17 August

We’ll move to full online delivery of all our courses from Monday 17 August for an initial two-week period.  Students will be informed about online learning plans directly via Moodle

Staff and students are encouraged to monitor the official websites for further information and guidance, including COVID-19, Ministry of Health.

Te Puna Waiora – call first on 0800 10 85 10

Te Puna Waiora is open for testing and consultations for staff and students, but patients are advised to call first on 0800 10 85 10 and they’ll be advised whether to come in.

Update: Thursday, 13 August

Alert Level 3

In line with the increased number of positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed today, we are urging staff and students to be extra vigilant with measures to help safeguard against the spread of the virus. 

These include:

• Practice good hygiene measures
• Keep track of your movements – download the COVID-19 app here
• Stay at home if you feel unwell

Both our campuses remain closed until further notice.  Updates about online classes are being sent directly to students via Moodle and email.

Further information around Alert Level 3 measures are outlined on the COVID-19 website.  Details from today’s press conference can be found on the Ministry of Health website.

Update: Wednesday 12 August

Alert Level 3

Both our campuses closed at noon today with the move to Alert Level 3, and will remain closed until further notice.  Please continue to follow your usual communications channels, including social media, for further updates. The Government is expected to make a further announcement around the status of Alert Levels on Friday.

In the meantime, you can follow updates from the Government around Alert Level requirements and guidelines via the COVID-19 and Ministry of Health websites.  Follow the Government advice around good hygiene measures, physical distancing, face coverings and staying at home if you don’t feel well.  Download the Government’s COVID-19 contact tracing app here so you can keep track of your movements.

Kia kaha.

Unitec update: Tuesday 11 August

A short time ago, the Prime Minister announced that Auckland is moving to Alert Level 3 from noon on Wednesday 12 August.  Classes will be suspended from that time.  Staff and students are asked to stay home until further communications are issued.  

In the meantime, we urge you to follow the guidance outlined on the Ministry of Health and COVID-19 websites.  

Te Puna Waiora Medical Centre will remain open for phone or virtual consultations only – call 0800 10 85 10 or visit Te Puna Waiora page.  

Students can contact Student Support for assistance on 0800 10 75 10.

Unitec update: Tuesday 9 June

New Zealand has now moved to Alert Level 1.  There are no active cases and no new cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand and it’s now 18 days since the last new case was reported.

As outlined on the COVID-19 website, under Alert Level 1, everyone can return without restriction to work, school, sports and domestic travel, and you can get together with as many people as you want. Controls at the borders remain for those entering New Zealand, including health screening and testing for all arrivals, and mandatory 14-day managed quarantine or isolation.  There will no longer be any physical distancing restrictions.  We will continue to deliver a mix of online and on-campus classes until the end of June.

As outlined in the Government guidelines around Alert Level 1, we should all continue to keep track of where we’ve been and who we’ve seen to assist with contact tracing if it’s required.  At Unitec, we’ll be using our contact tracing app for that purpose – it’s an easy way to help staff and students keep track of their movements on campus.  Visitors will be required to sign in and out, which is usual practice.

Unitec is also continuing with best practice around basic hygiene measures. This means washing and drying your hands regularly and thoroughly; coughing or sneezing into your elbow; and staying at home if you don’t feel well.  Everyone returning to campus will need to complete a Health & Safety induction.

These are good, sensible habits to keep, despite the existence of Alert Levels, and will help us all preserve the gains we’ve made over the past few months.

Unitec update: Wednesday 3 June

The Government has given guidance on what a move to Alert Level 1 will look like.  Please see the COVID-19 website for further information: https://covid19.govt.nz/latest-updates/alert-level-1-measures/

Timing around a move in levels hasn’t been disclosed, but the Government is expected to make an announcement on this early next week. 

The Golden Rules for everyone at Alert Level 1

1. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise.
2. If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested.
3. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.
4. Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces.
5. If you are told by health authorities to self-isolate you must do so immediately.
6. If you’re concerned about your wellbeing, or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy.
7. Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app as a handy way of doing this.
8. Businesses should help people keep track of their movements by displaying the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing.
9. Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels if we have to.
10. People will have had different experiences over the last couple of months. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself.

Unitec update: Tuesday 2 June

All you need to know about returning to campus

We’re looking forward to welcoming many of our staff and students back to our campuses in the coming weeks. Mt Albert campus will re-open Tuesday 2 June and our Waitākere campus on Monday 8 June.

Below is information on campus facilities and operations:

Contact tracing app 
Unitec is introducing a contact tracing app to assist with meeting Ministry of Health and WorkSafe NZ contact tracing requirements for Alert Level 2.  The app is called ‘Power Apps’ and is available to download from the App Store (IOS) or Play Store (Android). Unitec has modified an app already in use by other ITPs; it’s free and easy to use and the information gathered will only be made available if Unitec is required to provide it to relevant health authorities for COVID-19 contact tracing purposes – this would be if a staff member or student tested positive for COVID-19. 

Unitec is implementing this requirement in line with institutions and businesses across the country - it’s a measure designed to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our staff and students and to help contain the spread of the virus.  If users don’t have a smartphone, or don’t want to use their personal one, they can also access the app from their laptop or computer. When on campus, a link to the app will be available via a website URL from your staff PC.  Details of how to download and use the app are posted on the staff intranet.

There will be posters up around our campuses with further information.  Students will also be asked to record the same information; they’ll have the option of logging on to computers in Te Puna, Student Central and labs if they don’t want to use their personal devices.

Campus opening hours – Mt Albert campus
The Mt Albert campus will be open weekdays from 7am to 7pm from Tuesday 2 June and from 8am to 4pm in the weekends – all gates and carparks will be open as usual during opening hours. Cafes and shops will also be open with their regular hours. The Copy Centre will be open from 9am to 4pm and mail systems will function as usual. The Sports Centre will be open with its regular hours from Friday 5 June. 

Campus opening hours – Waitākere campus
The Waitākere campus will open again on Tuesday 8 June, including the library and Student Central. Waitākere library will be operating a click and collect service until then.

Health and Safety induction
All staff and students need to complete a Health and Safety induction before returning to campus.  More details can be found on the staff intranet and Moodle

Shuttles
The Mt Albert and Waitākere shuttle buses will be running with restricted timetables. See the Nest for more details. Numbers will be reduced in line with public transport policy to a capacity of 10 and students will take priority. Check the Auckland Transport website for more information about public transport

Hygiene measures
There are posters up around our campuses encouraging staff and students to practice good hygiene measures, including washing and drying hands regularly and thoroughly. Plenty of sanitiser will be available and will be wall-mounted in large common areas.

Unitec update: 12 May 2020

New Zealand will be moving from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 from Thursday 14 May.

As outlined in the Moving to Alert Level 2 guidelines on the COVID-19 website, the key directive for Unitec is that education providers can re-open under Alert Level 2, but that any activity on our campuses must adhere to strict physical distancing and Health & Safety guidelines.

To accommodate this, Unitec is planning a phased transition back to campus, with only a limited number of staff – both academic and support staff – and students returning to campus from the week of Monday 18 May.  All staff and students will be required to complete a Health & Safety induction, either before coming on to campus, or starting class. 

Students who can return to campus for specific courses will be informed in advance by their course lecturers ahead of next week.

Most support staff will stay online and off-campus until the end of May. The exception is Te Puna Waiora Health Centre which has stayed open throughout lockdown to support the health needs of our students and staff.

We will continue to keep students and staff informed of any further updates.

Unitec update - 20 April 2020

A return to Level 3 and what it means for Unitec

As we heard from the Prime Minister today, the country will be moving from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 from 11.59pm on Monday, 27 April.  We will remain at Alert Level 3 for at least two weeks, to be reviewed on Monday, 11 May.

As outlined, the key directive is that people are required to work from home unless that’s not possible, and that all teaching, learning and other activities should be done remotely wherever possible.

This means the majority of our staff and students will continue teaching, studying and working from home for the duration of Alert Level 3.  There are some exceptions to this, including some on-campus research that has to be done on site and some practical hands-on learning, such as trades courses, where the learning can happen in small groups with appropriate physical distancing.  In this case, class sizes will be limited to 10 people or less (including a teacher).

Courses where close contact is unavoidable, including large classes or gatherings of more than 10 people, will remain online.

What does this mean for Unitec?

• A limited number of courses across some of our Schools will be taught on campus from Wednesday, 29 April as part of a phased approach to on-site learning, but with strict guidelines around class sizes, physical distancing and maintenance of ‘bubbles’.  These guidelines will be communicated directly to those staff and students affected
• Teaching staff for these courses will be allowed on campus, as well as a small number of Security, Health & Safety, Infrastructure, and IT staff, as well as some of our building contractors engaged in refurbishing buildings. All other staff should continue working from home
• Both our campuses will remain closed until further notice to everyone but the students and teachers outlined above. This includes Te Puna, the library, cafes, Copy Centre and Sports Centre.
• Te Puna Waiora will remain open, but consultations are virtual.  Please note that Te Puna Waiora is no longer a COVID-19 testing centre
• Student accommodation will remain open and will continue to provide appropriate support to allow students to self-isolate, as required
• Workplace-based learning is subject to the policies and practices being applied to that type of workplace

In the meantime, we’re continuing with our detailed planning around timetabling and facilities management for teaching in an Alert Level 3 environment and will be communicating with our students this Friday, 24 April an outline of what their learning and assessments will look like from next Tuesday, 28 April through until the end of May. 

 

Update - 9 April 2020

Unitec's Learner Outreach Project mobilises expanded team to check on student welfare during COVID-19 lockdown

As Unitec moves into the second week of online teaching, it has mobilised a range of remote-working support staff to further expand the resources of its Learner Outreach Project (LOP), established last year to support students through outreach and facilitate a better understanding of their needs through actively tracking and monitoring progress.

As part of the expanded outreach during lockdown, a range of support teams have joined existing LOP staff to make personal phone calls to students across courses and programmes, checking on their welfare and establishing whether they have the access they need to complete online course activities and assessments.  They’re also providing information about course completion, personal finance and health and wellbeing, and referring students to support agencies if they need help.  Unitec is assisting students who don’t have access to appropriate devices and is advising on cost-effective connectivity options.

Annette Pitovao, Director of Student Success at Unitec, said that the range of support activities has been met with very positive feedback so far.  “Our students appreciate hearing from us, and knowing that there’s someone on the other end of the phone who cares makes a huge difference to their motivation levels,” she said.   “We want our students to have the most optimal learning experience possible under the current, challenging circumstances with the least amount of disruption to their future success.” 

“We’ve been very encouraged to see that students are supporting each other across a variety of platforms, forming chat groups and online tutorial groups to actively stay connected,” she said. 

Teaching staff will continue to teach online after the return from mid-Semester break on Tuesday, 28 April but will provide students with further information on their specific course delivery arrangements next week.  Unitec has been teaching its students online since Monday, March 30 – taking just four days to move to full online teaching after the campus was first closed due to lockdown.

Update - 07 April 2020

Online meditation, desk-fit yoga, Bollywood dance and boot camp – all in a day’s work for Unitec’s Sustainability & Wellbeing team

Unitec’s Sustainability & Wellbeing team has introduced a range of online activities and initiatives to ensure Unitec staff remain well supported while adjusting to working and teaching from home during lockdown. The team has shared tips on setting up an ergonomic home workspace and creating work-life schedules, including relevant articles and interviews of interest.

Other support has included advice on mental health and wellbeing, including ways to boost immunity and adapt to a new way of living and working, as well as names of agencies to contact for support and assistance, including the Employee Assistance Programme offered by EAP Services. 

The Unitec Staff Wellness programme, usually run on campus, has continued in an online format, including activities such as meditation, a walking club, hula, Bollywood dance and boot camp. These activities are almost all voluntarily run by Unitec staff, all of whom were happy to set up online options so people could continue to engage in their regular wellness sessions.

Staff have set up online chat groups to share ideas for work and home life, including tips for online team meetings and keeping children entertained at home. 

Unitec’s Human Resources team is also making personal calls to staff across all Schools and support teams checking on their welfare, answering questions and advising on issues including mental wellbeing, IT set-up and juggling work-life balance under lockdown. 

Update - 30 March 2020

Online teaching for all our students started today and will continue until the start of the mid-Semester break. Thursday 9 April is the last day of classes before the break and online classes will resume again on Tuesday 28 April.

Teaching staff are using Zoom, Echo360 and a range of other online tools to teach classes, and all course material is posted on our Learning Management System, Moodle.

Students are encouraged to contact their lecturer directly or itsupport@unitec.ac.nz if they have any issues with access, connectivity or devices.  Anything else student-related, please contact our Student Support team on 0800 10 95 10 (Option 1) or go here for more information.

We acknowledge the patience and flexibility of our students as we work with them during these challenging times and thank them for their support.

Update - 24 March 2020

Unitec’s two campuses – Mt Albert and Waitākere – are now closed until further notice due to the Government directive around Alert Level 4, which comes into effect at 11.59pm, Wednesday 25 March.

Te Puna Waiora – Unitec’s Wellness Centre remains open, but if you need to speak with a doctor or nurse, please phone ahead for a virtual consultation on 0800 10 85 10.

Staff and students should monitor their usual Unitec communications and social media channels for updates.

Online teaching will commence on Monday, 30 March.

Update - 23 March 2020

With New Zealand on an Alert Level 3 and within 48 hours moving to Level 4, we are implementing the following measures:

• All teaching and assessments will be suspended for four days from 5pm, Monday 23 March. This means there will be no classes (live-streamed or face to face) for four days while our teaching staff make final preparations for activating online study.
• Students should use this time for self-directed study. Teaching staff will be available to provide remote assistance to any students who need it.
• Online teaching will start from Monday 30 March.
• Our Unitec Pathways College (UPC) classes will also be suspended until further notice and will be rescheduled when schools re-open. This is in line with the closure of secondary schools from Tuesday 24 March.
• The last day of business operations on campus is Tuesday 24 March. Our Unitec campuses will close for four weeks from Wednesday 25 March. Students, staff or visitors will not be allowed on campus. Te Puna Waiora medical centre, as an essential service, will remain open for phone and virtual consultations - call 0800 10 85 10 or book online - visit Te Puna Waiora webpage.

Update - 19 March

See updated information on the Ministry of Health website

The Prime Minister has advised that in the best interests of the community, all arrivals into New Zealand in the past two weeks should self-isolate for 14 days from their arrival date. This is an update on the previous announcement that all arrivals into the country from Monday, March 16 at 1am are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

If you feel unwell, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs). Alternatively, contact your local GP or medical centre for advice and health information – by calling first, rather than turning up at the surgery.

We remind you of the basic rule to stay at home if you don’t feel well

Practice good hygiene measures as outlined on the Ministry of Health and COVID19 websites, including washing your hands with soap regularly

Update: Tuesday 17 March 2020

As a preventative measure to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, Unitec's Autumn Graduation on Tuesday 31 March has been postponed, along with Kahurangi 2020 and the Pacific Celebration.

Update: Thursday 12 March 2020

As of today there were no additional confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 to report in New Zealand for the fifth consecutive day. Our case number remain unchanged – NZ has five confirmed cases based on positive test results and two probable cases.

Overnight, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 coronavirus is now characterised as a pandemic. This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus. 

The pandemic status reinforces the importance of planning and preparation, whilst continuing to take a precautionary approach. 

Our Incident Management Team (IMT) is continuing to meet daily.  We have a Pandemic Plan prepared and ready as part of our Incident Management framework and will be issuing more information next week on contingency plans, including set-up for working from home, if needed.  We have only a very small number of staff either overseas, or due to travel, and are continuing to assess travel plans on a daily basis.  

Update: Tuesday 10 March 2020

To date, the Ministry of Health has confirmed five cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in New Zealand, but for a third consecutive day, there have been no additional confirmed or probable cases here. Please see link to today’s update on the Ministry of Health website.

Travel restrictions have also been extended another week, so will remain in effect until Tuesday, 17 March.  For more information on travel restrictions, see the latest situation summary on the Immigration New Zealand website.

We are doing everything we can to safeguard our students, staff and visitors and continue to stress the following basic hygiene measures:

• If you’re feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms, stay at home. If you have concerns about your health, call Healthline on its dedicated COVID-19 number 0800 358 5453 (or +64 9 358 5453 for international SIMS), or contact your GP or medical centre (including Te Puna Waiora – Unitec’s Wellness Centre), by phoning ahead rather than just turning up at the surgery.  They can assess your symptoms and give advice over the phone
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and then dry thoroughly, or cleanse your hands with hand sanitizer
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and then wash and dry your hands
• Keep shared kitchen areas clean and tidy – clean surfaces regularly with anti-bacterial wipes or spray and ensure cutlery, plates and cups are washed after each use

Those International students in self-isolation or unable to travel are still being supported by remote learning activities by Te Puna Ako and relevant teaching staff, but the majority of our teaching and learning will continue to take place on both our campuses, as normal.  As we outlined last week, those International and Domestic students who have travelled overseas and have satisfied self-isolation requirements will be required to check in and show their travel documentation to our International Support team on their return to Unitec.  Once these checks have been made and the documentation is in order, the International Support team will inform the relevant teaching staff via email that the students can start their classes.  This includes those students who have opted to spend their self-isolation period in another country en route to New Zealand.

We will continue to keep you updated on any changes to policies or procedures.

Update: Monday 10 February 2020

The Ministry of Health has set up a new helpline to provide information about coronavirus.  The new number is 0800 358 5453 (or +649 358 5453 for overseas SIMs).  The number is free to call, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be staffed by members of the National Telehealth Services with interpreters on hand to help with translation. 

The Ministry of Health now also has a Facebook page @minhealthnz, and along with its Twitter channel @minhealthnz, will be used to alert people to key updates and messaging specifically about coronavirus.  

We are continuing to communicate directly with our students, staff, agents and partners and are working to assess and monitor the situation and its implications. Our Te Puna Ako team is continuing to work on resources for teaching staff so they can support their learners from a distance.

For International Students with questions about visas, please consult the Immigration New Zealand website.

Update: Monday 3 February 2020

The New Zealand Government made the following announcement yesterday in relation to temporary entry restrictions into New Zealand to assist with the containment of the novel coronavirus and to protect New Zealand and the Pacific Islands from the disease:

New Zealand to restrict travel from China to protect against coronavirus

The measures took effect from today and will be in place for up to 14 days. This position will be reviewed every 48 hours.

The key points of the announcement are:

• Any foreign travellers who leave or transit through mainland China after 2 February 2020 (NZ time) will be refused entry to New Zealand. Any foreign travellers in transit to New Zealand on 2 February 2020 will be subject to enhanced screening on arrival but, pending clearance, will be granted entry to New Zealand.
• New Zealand citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the country. 
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also raised its travel advice to New Zealanders for all of mainland China to “Do not travel”, the highest level.

We are communicating directly with our students, staff, agents and partners and working to assess and monitor the situation and its implications. We are continuing to take a precautionary, preventative approach and are following the advice of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education around ways to safeguard those who come on to our campuses. We have also issued the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation on “Protecting yourself and others from getting sick” to our students, staff and visitors.