Aucklanders urged to remain Alert (at Level 3) but enjoy locally

                             Exercising locally is a great idea (Image from Auckland Council Website)

With a week of lockdown ahead, and the last gasps of Summer Sun, it is tempting to get out and about right now but Aucklanders are asked to keep their exercise local.

But it is a good time to enjoy your local area.  

With weekend events and sports cancelled today, and the late summer weather looking good, it is tempting to get out and about. 

Travel restrictions out of Auckland

Please resist the urge to jump into the car and head across town to the beach or park. Instead, enjoy your local parks, beaches, tracks, paths and walkways. Driving a short distance is ok too – just keep it local.  Remember that travel outside of the Auckland area is not permitted unless you have an exemption from health authorities or the government. 

The Council has followed all government advice and closed facilities to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our communities.

Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee Chair Councillor Alf Filipaina said that there are lots of great ways to enjoy parks and open spaces without using the facilities.

“Playgrounds, skate and bike parks are closed; people must stay off outdoor exercise equipment, away from basketball hoops and off park benches. However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your local park on foot or on your bike, while maintaining safe two metre distances from each other. These rules are in place for your health and wellbeing, it’s important to follow them,” he said.

Phil Goff is Mayor of Auckland. The following information has been taken from the Auckland Council website and hence not attributed to the Mayor or Councillors.

Temporary closure of facilities      

We have closed all but around 200 public toilets – these remain open for workers that still need to carry out essential services.

Auckland Council has nearly 1000 playgrounds. Most of these will have signs in place relating to hygiene guidance for all alert levels and our more popular and high use playgrounds will be taped off. Our contractors will check tape and signage over the course of the week but from time to time we find that signs are removed or tape is affected by the elements.

Councillor Filipaina said that regardless of the signs that have been put up at a playground, the message for Alert Level 3 is that all playgrounds are closed and hence children should stay off them until that status changes.

“These rules are for everyone’s safety,” he said.

No Music in Parks today

Sunday’s Music in Parks event, SUSO Showcase, has been cancelled.

This event was due to take place on Sunday afternoon at Onehunga Bay Reserve.

Visit the Music in Parks and Movies in Parks websites for cancellation information for next weekend.

You can do activities that are local and safe. Only exercise alone or with the people in your bubble. You need to keep two-metre distance from people who are not in your bubble, and you are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering.

The most important thing is to stay safe. Do low-risk activities, so that you would not need rescuing or medical care. Now is not the time to take up new activities or expose yourself or your bubble to any risk. Use your common sense — stay local, stay safe. 

Recommended activities

If you are experienced, you can do more activities. These include:

Surfing: if you are an experienced surfer, you can go to your local break. If you are not experienced, do not surf

Tramping: This is okay for day walks on easy trails. Remember to keep your distance from other people

Mountain Biking: If you are experienced and know the trail

Swimming: In safe local spots. Do not take risks that might mean rescue services have to break their bubble to help you

Horse Riding: If you are an experienced rider and it is low risk. Stay as close to home as you can. Stay within 200 metres from shore if you are kayaking, canoeing, rowing, surfing, wind surfing or paddle boarding. 

What is not allowed

Flying manned aircraft, Hunting in motorised vehicles, Water-based activities involving sailing boats, motorised boats or other craft like jet skis, and scuba diving, and Team sports and training are not allowed during the Alert Level 3 period.

Regional Parks

Regional parks are open for exercise. Tramping and mountain biking is available for experienced users that know the trails. Visitor centres are closed. Some toilets and all facilities are closed. There is no vehicle access (walk-in is ok). Campground, baches and lodges are closed. Find out more about Council services here.

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