COVID-19 important information
http://www.gw.govt.nz/covid-19-important-information
COVID-19 important information
Updated 8 September 2021
Greater Wellington Regional Council would like to assure customers that we are closely monitoring the situation and will be following the advice of Ministry of Health on COVID-19.
Current status
COVID-19: GWRC offices at alert level 2
It will be mandatory to check in using the NZ COVID Tracer App and/or signing in at Reception.
Face coverings will be mandatory while in our buildings.
We will be observing 2 metre social distancing rules.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 2
At Alert Level 2, we need to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading to our staff and visitors. Our Park facilities remain open, including toilets and BBQs, with appropriate cleaning and physical distancing measures in place.
There are no restrictions on camping, motorised recreation, hunting, or other recreational activities such as horse riding. New permits for hunting, horse riding and motorised recreation are open at level 2.
For recreational groups, it is important for you to keep contact tracing records of any activity in Alert Level 2.
COVID-19: Metlink at alert level 2
Metlink bus, train and harbour ferry will transition back to full services. If you’re unwell, please stay home. Front door boarding returns for buses. All payment methods will return, including cash. No standing is allowed on board. Ensure you track your journey, wear a face covering and please be kind.
Previous information
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 3
As of 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 August, our region is at Alert Level 3. At alert level 3, we limit exposure of COVID-19 to our staff and visitors.
Wellington regional parks remain available for safe and local access to exercise and recreation for you and your bubble. Most of the park gates and toilets are open.
However, there is no camping, no motorised recreation or gatherings allowed. Park ranger offices are closed. Please call 0800 496 734 if you have any questions.
COVID-19: Metlink at alert level 3
Following the Government’s latest alert level change, Metlink has announced that it will continue to run a modified Saturday timetable for buses and trains under alert level 3.
Under alert level 4, public transport has only been available as an essential service for essential workers and to enable members of the public to access essential services. Public transport will now be available for more passengers under alert level 3 as some businesses, early learning centres and schools start to reopen.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 4
At alert level 4, to limit exposure of COVID-19 to our staff and visitors at our parks we have closed:
- Gates to vehicles
- Park ranger offices
- Park facilities, such as toilets.
We recognise that people will want to get some fresh air, but if you want to walk or bike in the regional parks you should only do so close to your home and with people in your bubble. However, there is no camping, no motorised recreation or gatherings allowed. Please remember that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
COVID-19: Metlink at alert level 4
Following the Government’s alert level 4 announcement, Metlink has confirmed it will start to move to a Saturday timetable for bus and train services as the country enters into Alert Level 4 from 11:59pm Tuesday 17 August 2021.
Metlink General Manager Scott Gallacher says public transport will continue to be available for essential service workers, and to enable communities to access supermarkets, pharmacies and health facilities in accordance with Government directions.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 1
We are currently at Alert Level 1. In order to recover from the effects of COVID-19 in our community, it is important to:
- Stay at home if you’re sick to stop any future spread of COVID-19
- Maintain good hygiene measures (cough or sneeze into your elbow)
- Keep track of where you have been and who you have seen for contact tracing purposes
- Wash your hands regularly
If you have any questions for us, please call 0800 496 734.
COVID-19: Metlink services at alert level 1
From 6am, Sunday 7 March, the Wellington Region will be at Alert Level 1. Up until 5.59am, Sunday 7 March, the Wellington Region remains at Alert Level 2.
The Government has made it clear that face coverings remain mandatory on all bus, train and harbour ferry services, unless:
- If it is unsafe, for example if wearing a face covering means a driver cannot safely operate the vehicle
- You are a student on board a dedicated Metlink school service
Please ensure you bring your own face covering, and put it on before boarding your service.
Fares remain in place, and there will be no timetable changes. Cash will be collected however contactless is preferred.
It is important to continue recording your journey with us, whether it’s by scanning one of the QR codes with the NZ COVID tracer or Rippl app, or writing it down manually.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 2
At Alert Level 2, we need to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading to our staff and visitors. Our park facilities remain open, including toilets and BBQs, with appropriate cleaning and physical distancing measures in place.
There are no restrictions on camping, motorised recreation, hunting, or other recreational activities such as horse riding. Recreational activities are permitted to groups of 100 people or less.
For recreational groups, it is important for you to keep contact tracing records of any activity in Alert Level 2.
To minimise the spread of COVID-19
- Maintain 2m distance from people you don’t know - carefully step aside or slow down to allow separation
- Avoid our worksites – use another open area
- Avoid narrow tracks
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are awaiting test results, stay home
- Wash your hands regularly
- Do not pat other people’s pets
- Be respectful of other people's space
Play it safe – we can maintain many of our everyday activities, but we must do so carefully in order to keep the rest of New Zealand safe.
If you have any questions for us, please phone 0800 496 734.
COVID-19: Metlink services at alert level 2
As of 6pm, Wednesday 23 June, the Wellington Region will be in Alert Level 2.
If you’re sick, please avoid public transport entirely and stay home.
The Government has made it clear that face coverings remain mandatory on all bus, train and harbour ferry services. Face coverings should also be worn while waiting for public transport.
Fares remain in place, and there will be no timetable changes. Cash will be collected, however contactless is preferred.
A reminder, wearing a face covering helps keep you and our communities safe. It helps stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs or sneezes. Please ensure you bring your own face covering, and put it on before boarding your service.
Face coverings should be worn unless:
- You’re under 12 years of age
- You’re a student on board a dedicated school service
- You’re a staff member in a space completely separated from passengers (e.g. train drivers)
- It is unsafe to do so (e.g. if wearing one means a driver cannot safely operate the vehicle)
- You have a physical or mental health condition that makes wearing a face covering unsuitable
It’s important to continue recording your journey with us - simply scan the QR codes provided with the NZ COVID Tracer or Rippl app, or note it down manually. Where possible, keep a safe distance from people you don’t know while you’re out and about.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 1
We are currently at Alert Level 1. In order to recover from the effects of COVID-19 in our community, it is important to:
- Stay at home if you’re sick to stop any future spread of COVID-19
- Maintain good hygiene measures (cough or sneeze into your elbow)
- Keep track of where you have been and who you have seen for contact tracing purposes
- Wash your hands regularly
If you have any questions for us, please call 0800 496 734.
COVID-19: Metlink services at alert level 1
From 6am, Sunday 7 March, the Wellington Region will be at Alert Level 1. Up until 5.59am, Sunday 7 March, the Wellington Region remains at Alert Level 2.
The Government has made it clear that face coverings remain mandatory on all bus, train and harbour ferry services, unless:
- If it is unsafe, for example if wearing a face covering means a driver cannot safely operate the vehicle
- You are a student on board a dedicated Metlink school service
Please ensure you bring your own face covering, and put it on before boarding your service.
Fares remain in place, and there will be no timetable changes. Cash will be collected however contactless is preferred.
It is important to continue recording your journey with us, whether it’s by scanning one of the QR codes with the NZ COVID tracer or Rippl app, or writing it down manually.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 2
At Alert Level 2, we need to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading to our staff and visitors. Our park facilities remain open, including toilets and BBQs, with appropriate cleaning and physical distancing measures in place.
There are no restrictions on camping, motorised recreation, hunting, or other recreational activities such as horse riding. Recreational activities are permitted to groups of 100 people or less.
For recreational groups, it is important for you to keep contact tracing records of any activity in Alert Level 2.
To minimise the spread of COVID-19
- Maintain 2m distance from people you don’t know - carefully step aside or slow down to allow separation
- Avoid our worksites – use another open area
- Avoid narrow tracks
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are awaiting test results, stay home.
- Wash your hands regularly
- Do not pat other people’s pets
Play it safe – we can maintain many of our everyday activities, but we must do so carefully in order to keep the rest of New Zealand safe.
If you have any questions for us, please phone 0800 496 734.
COVID-19: Metlink services at alert level 2
Face coverings will remain mandatory on all bus, train and harbour ferry services, unless:
- You have a physical or mental health illness or condition or disability that makes wearing a face covering unsuitable
- If it is unsafe, for example if wearing a face covering means a driver cannot safely operate the vehicle (e.g. staff are unable to properly communicate, or causes the eyeglasses of the driver to fog)
- You are a student on board a dedicated Metlink school service
Please ensure you bring your own face covering, and put it on before boarding your service.
Fares will remain in place, and there will be no timetable changes. Cash will still be collected however contactless is preferred.
Passengers are encouraged to maintain physical distancing while waiting for services wherever possible, but physical distancing will not be required on board Metlink services.
Fares will remain in place, and there will be no timetable changes.
It is important to continue recording your journey with us, whether it’s by scanning one of the QR codes with the NZ COVID tracer or Rippl app, or writing it down manually.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 1
We are currently at Alert Level 1. In order to recover from the effects of COVID-19 in our community, it is important to:
- Stay at home if you’re sick to stop any future spread of COVID-19
- Maintain good hygiene measures (cough or sneeze into your elbow)
- Keep track of where you have been and who you have seen for contact tracing purposes
- Wash your hands regularly
If you have any questions for us, please call 0800 496 734.
COVID-19: Metlink services at alert level 1
As of 11:59pm, Wednesday 17 February, the Wellington Region will be in Alert Level 1.
- Face coverings will remain mandatory on all bus, train and harbour ferry services, unless the individual is under 12 years or has a medical condition which makes it unsuitable to wear a face covering
- Students don’t have to wear face coverings on dedicated Metlink school services
- Fares will remain in place, and there will be no timetable changes
It is important to continue recording your journey with us, whether it’s by scanning one of the QR codes with the NZ COVID tracer or Rippl app, or writing it down manually.
Your safety, and our Metlink team’s safety, is paramount so please continue to follow Government instructions.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 2
At Alert Level 2, we need to play it safe. Park trails are very busy at present, be aware of other walkers and bikers.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Keep a 2m distance from people you don’t know
- Dogs must be on leads
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay home if you are unwell
COVID-19: Metlink services at alert level 2
As of 11.59pm, Sunday 14 February, the Wellington Region will move to Alert 2 until 12 midnight, Wednesday 17 February.
At Alert Level 2, face coverings are mandatory on all Metlink services. Fares will remain in place, and there will be no timetable changes.
Passengers should practice physical distancing at bus stops, train stations and ferry wharfs.
COVID-19: Parks update for alert level 2
At alert level 2, we need to play it safe. Park trails are very busy at present, be aware of other walkers and bikers.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Keep a 2m distance from people you don’t know
- Dogs must be on leads
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay home if you are unwell
Park ranger offices are closed. For any park-related enquiries, please call 0800 496 734.
Read more about what level 2 means for parks >
COVID-19: Alert Level 2 update for all services
The Government has placed the Wellington region into Alert Level 2 as of 12 noon on Wednesday 12 August. Please be assured that Metlink will continue to offer a full service across its train, bus and harbour ferry network.
COVID-19: Metlink continues full train, bus and ferry services across the Wellington region during alert level 2
Following the Government’s alert level 2 announcement Metlink has confirmed that it will continue to run a full train, bus and ferry service from midday today (Wednesday 12 August).
COVID-19: Bus, train, and ferry services under level 1
Metlink has announced that full fares will return across the region on July 1 now that New Zealand has moved to alert level 1 and physical distancing restrictions have been lifted.
COVID-19: Parks update for alert level 1
We are currently at Alert Level 1. In order to recover from the effects of COVID-19 in our community, it is important to:
- Maintain regular handwashing
- Maintain good hygiene measures (coughing or sneezing into your elbow)
- Keep track of where you have been and who you have seen, including sports teams and recreational groups
COVID-19: Public transport updates for alert level 2
Due to Covid-19 physical distancing restrictions, Metlink services will continue to have limited capacity under alert level 2.
Read the rail service update >
Read the ferry service update >
Read the school bus service update >
COVID-19: Metlink details physical distancing and capacity for alert level 2
With alert level 2 imminent, Metlink has announced updated plans for physical distancing and the impact on capacity across the region’s network.
COVID-19: Study suggests Wellington regional economy may avoid worst of downturn
A high-level discussion document on the most likely impacts of COVID-19 suggests that Wellington may be in a better position to ride out the coming economic downturn and could emerge in better shape than some other regions.
COVID-19: Wairarapa train services to resume
Wairarapa Train services will return to their regular timetable from Monday, May 4 in line with the return to normal timetables for all Metlink rail services.
COVID-19: School bus services supported at alert level 3
Since the Prime Minister's announcement of shifting to alert level 3 at 11.59pm on Monday 27 April, we are updating you on what this could look like for your Metlink school transport.
COVID-19: Return to full timetables on trains and buses under level 3
Following the Government’s announcement of alert level 3, Metlink has revealed its plans to return to full regular timetables on buses starting on Sunday 26 April and trains on Monday 4 May.
COVID-19: Total Mobility transport subsidy until 30 June
As part of the national response to COVID-19, The NZ Transport Agency will implement a fare-reduction for Total Mobility customers from Tuesday, 14 April 2020.
Regional response to COVID-19 essential to economic recovery and resilience
Chair of Wellington’s Mayoral Forum and Upper Hutt City Council Mayor Wayne Guppy says the region’s Councils are pulling together to respond to the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 and developing a coordinated response to the government’s infrastructure investment strategy.
COVID-19: Metlink adds Masterton Town bus services during COVID-19 lockdown
Metlink is operating Masterton Town bus services on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings for essential workers and to enable the community to access essential services.
COVID-19: Refund your April, May and June monthly rail pass online
Due to the changes in travel and fares because of COVID-19, we are refunding customers who have purchased monthly rail passes for April, May and June 2020 only.
COVID-19: Additional Metlink Services, cleaning and physical distancing measures
In response to COVID-19 alert level 4, Metlink is adding more bus services, introducing germ shield fogging and rolling out physical distancing markers on all buses and trains.
COVID-19: Regional Parks
At alert level 4, to limit exposure of COVID-19 to our staff and visitors at our parks we have closed:
- Gates to vehicles
- Park ranger offices
- Park facilities, such as toilets
COVID-19: Public Transport free until June
As part of the national response to COVID-19 alert level 4 Metlink will make all rail and bus services free until June.
COVID 19: From Tuesday 24 March - weekend services start to roll out on all public transport modes
In response to the Prime Minister’s address today on raised COVID-19 levels, Metlink will be moving to weekend services across all public transport modes.
COVID-19: Metlink Public Transport update on drivers aged 70+
Metlink General Manager Scott Gallacher says, in accordance with Central Government advice, for the health and safety of staff and passengers, all Metlink bus drivers aged 70+ will not be part of operating our transport network at this time.
COVID-19: Greater Wellington closes offices
In line with advice from the Wellington Region Emergency Management Group (WREMO) and the Ministry of Health, Greater Wellington Regional Council is closing its offices to the public and encouraging all office based staff to work from home.
COVID-19: Metlink removes cash sales from buses, trains, ferries, and stations
To stay one step ahead of COVID-19 and give our passengers and staff more peace of mind, Metlink will be removing all cash sales from trains, buses, ferries and stations as of Monday, March 23. Discounted monthly train passes will be available for purchase from 23 March 2020.
COVID-19: Metlink rolls out precautionary cleaning measures across rail, bus and ferry
Metlink is rolling out new precautionary cleaning measures across rail, bus, and ferry today to give passengers further peace of mind as they travel across the region.
How do I protect myself and others from COVID-19?
Basic hygiene measures are the most important way to stop the spread of infections, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Basic hygiene measures include:
- Hand hygiene – that is, washing hands regularly with soap and water, or cleansing with hand sanitiser
- Staying at home if you are sick
- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and then performing hand hygiene
- Cleaning surfaces regularly
People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice good cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, and wash hands).
For updates about COVID-19 click on the following links:
- COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) update
- COVID-19 information in Easy Read format
- COVID-19 - Advice for public events and mass gatherings
Should you have further concerns we advise contacting the dedicated COVID-19 Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453 or keep up to date on the latest information by visting the Ministry of Health website .
