Council offices – Covid-19

Friday 20 March 2020

Where possible, Council will continue to operate as usual, with social distancing measures in place. However, we may eventually close our offices to the public.

We have put the following measures in place:

• Our office is still open for front counter payments, but staff will not be meeting walk-in customers. We are moving to an appointment based system. Unless you are making a payment, please do not come to the Council offices unless you have a pre-booked appointment. If you require an appointment please contact us either by email at Council@westlanddc.govt.nz, or on 0800 474 834 with the following details:
  • The reason for your meeting.
  • If you know it, the name of the staff member whom you would like to meet with.
  • Provide information relating to the meeting in electronic form if possible.
• Please do not enter any Council building if you have any of the following symptoms:
  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
• If you have any of these symptoms, please remain at home and contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453  

Consider if you can use an online service. On our website you can make payments, make a service request, apply for a variety of consents and registrations, make changes to your details, and sign up for emergency text messages among other things. Click the crosses under ‘I Want To’ to find out what you can do.

Making payments to Council – Covid 19

Friday 20 March 2020

If you need to make a payment to Council, please use online payment services if possible.

Council is still open to receive payments but reception staff will be minimising cash and cheque handling. If possible please be prepared to make your payment with a card transaction.

Library Services – Covid 19

Friday 20 March 2020

Council’s Library Services remain open!

Events and programmes are currently still running, but if you experience any of the symptoms described above, please don’t attend. As the situation progresses these will be reconsidered and there may be cancellations. We appreciate your understanding.

Pre-order your book!

If you want an in-and-out service, you can place a hold on a book on the library website catalogue or through the library app. The library will issue the book ready for you to collect the following day.

You will need your library card number and password. If you cannot remember your password, call the library on
03 755 6208 to have your password reset.

e-services – Books, magazines, newspapers, audio and films anytime, anywhere

Another way to use the Library is e-services. The Library provides access to e-books and audio-books through the Libby, Overdrive and BorrowBox apps, newspapers and magazines through Pressreader on their website or the Pressreader app, and film streaming from Kanopy and Kanopy Kids.

Library membership is free.

All adult members have access to e-services though their membership. If you are not a library member and would like to access the library’s digital services you can apply for a digital only membership.

What else should you know? Covid-19

Friday 20 March 2020

The official source of information for individuals and businesses is #uniteagainstcovid19. Please refer here if you have any questions or concerns.

Government funding package

The official, central source of information solely for businesses, including information about the funding package is business.govt.nz.

The New Zealand Government has released an economic response package to help cushion the impact of COVID-19 and support the economy during the COVID-19 crisis.

The package includes:

• wage subsidy scheme
• leave and self-isolation support
• business cash flow and tax measures
• wider $12.1 billion package.

Businesses can also get information and support from Development West Coast.

Self-isolation

As of Wednesday 18 March, everyone must follow instructions from a Medical Officer of Health relating to COVID-19, or risk being detained or deported.

If you have concerns about an individual who isn’t self-isolating when they should be, please contact immigration New Zealand on 0508 225 288.