Travel into and out of Waikato
Travelling in and out of Waikato areas under Alert Level 3
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At 11:59pm on Sunday 3 October, the Government moved Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Ngāruawāhia, Hamilton City and some surrounding areas to Alert Level 3 for five days.
The purpose of Alert Level 3 is to limit the movement of people to only that which is absolutely necessary.
This helps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Travel into Waikato Alert Level 3 area
People in Alert Level 2 areas can travel into the Waikato Alert Level 3 area to work in any business or service which is open in the Alert Level 3 area.
Travel out of Waikato Alert Level 3 area to Level 2 area
However, for those in the Waikato Alert Level 3 area, the current travel restrictions in force at the Auckland boundary apply. This means residents in the Waikato Level 3 area should not leave to go to an Alert Level 2 area unless for permitted reasons. People needing to complete urgent building, construction and maintenance work may only be permitted to cross out of the Waikato Alert Level 3 area to a Level 2 area if they meet the criteria for permitted travel under Schedule 5 of the Alert Level Order.
In this scenario, businesses do not need to apply for a Business Travel Document from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for workers to travel across the Waikato Level 3 boundary unless they are travelling through or from Auckland. We recommend that employers provide a written letter detailing why workers are travelling to be used as documentation.
Police will be conducting spot checks to encourage compliance.
If you are travelling in and out of the Waikato Alert Level 3 area you are not required to provide evidence of a recent test, unless you are travelling across the boundary with Auckland.
What this means for Auckland
This change in Alert Level does not impact Auckland or its boundaries. There is no change to the checkpoints, testing or permitted travel requirements for Auckland.
Where to go for more information
Find out about construction rules at Alert Level 3(external link) - building.govt.nz
Read about the advice for Waikato(external link) - covid19.govt.nz
View a map of areas included in Alert level 3(external link) - covid19.govt.nz
Finally, we know that the pandemic has been challenging and changes in Alert Levels can cause a lot of stress and amplify other issues. There are trained counsellors available for anyone to talk for free at any time – just call or text 1737.
MATES in Construction also offer mental health services specific to the industry, call 0800 111 315 or visit mates.net.nz(external link).