12 August 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post and Stuff
Topic: Rotorua connection to Auckland COVID-19 cluster and move to alert levels 2 and 3 in NZ
Enquiry
Reporters requested comment from the Mayor in regards to Govt announcement to move to Alert Level 2 and Rotorua connection to Auckland cases of community transmission.
Response
Mayor Steve Chadwick provided the following to both news outlets:
We were told to expect more community transmission and while we certainly hoped it wouldn't happen, we know how to deal with this.
This is an anxious time but as before, we need to be guided by the experts who are leading the national response to COVID-19.
This latest development reinforces the need for us all to remain vigilant. This is about community resilience - we need to work together, activate our networks and look after each other.
Be aware, be safe, stay calm and be kind.
We don't have details regarding the connection to Rotorua of the Auckland cases at this time, but I expect we will be informed as soon as is possible and appropriate.
The re-emergence of community transmission is obviously a blow at a time New Zealand is trying to re-ignite economy but we always knew it would be a long game. And we knew we would need to be prepared to adapt and respond as new challenges arose.
We can't predict the impact of this latest development - it's an evolving situation - but our businesses will have been well prepared for this eventuality.
Right now we need to focus on what's in front of us and all play our role in getting through as quickly as possible.
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Media: Radio NZ (Midday Report + Checkpoint), Newstalk ZB, TVNZ Breakfast show
Topic: Rotorua connection to Auckland COVID-19 cluster and move to alert levels 2 and 3 in NZ
Enquiry
Requesters sought comment from Mayor Chadwick in light of news of Rotorua connection to Auckland cases of community transmission.
Response
Key points made by the mayor:
-We were told to expect more community transmission and while we certainly hoped it wouldn't happen but we know how to deal with this
-An anxious time for all but need to be guided by the experts leading the national response
-Reinforces need to remain vigilant - is about community resilience
-Need to work together, activate our networks and look after each other
-Be aware, be safe, stay calm, be kind
Re economy:
-Obviously a blow at a time NZ trying to re-ignite economy but always knew would be a long game
-Knew would need to be prepared to adapt and respond as new challenges arose
-Right now need to focus on what's in front of us and all play our role in getting through as quickly as possible
Re Rotorua connection to Auckland cases:
-We don't have any details at this time but expect will be informed as soon as that's appropriate
