Stepping In
During this COVID-19 pandemic when most are staying at home, the essential work that happens within a district must carry on. Roading crews, water and wastewater officers, maintenance teams and solid waste collection all keep rolling on.
Other ‘non-essential’ Hurunui District Council (HDC) staff stepped up alongside the communities’ medical centres and assisted with the roll out of the Covid vaccine across the district.
The local medical centres set up clinics in Amberley, Waikari and Hanmer Springs, all operating within COVID-19 safety procedures which included minimal queuing and waiting times, a socially distanced space for administering the vaccines, and a safe observation area post vaccine.
HDC staff rotated during the weeks the clinics operated, helping with everything from the set up of marquees, traffic control, directing people through the clinic safely and keeping a watchful eye out post-vaccination. Thanks to the Council staff, the medical centre personnel were able to focus on their key work and the throughput of the clinics was significantly enhanced.
Mayor Marie Black lent a hand at the clinic in Waikari and said the community, the medical centre’s staff and key helpers all worked together superbly.
“Everyone who arrived for their vaccine was patient and respectful, acknowledging the restricted environment we were all working within.”
Lockdown does come with its fair share of frustrations, but it’s also a time for celebrating our local community leaders and team work.
It’s celebrating those local people who keep our communities connected and supported. For our district that means the farmers and growers and the local supermarket staff, who collectively ensure people have what they need at this time.
HDC’s Community Partnership team has been working during lockdown to support the aspirations of the community.
The result has been a successful partnership between this team, Foodbanks and larger support networks, and Food Secure North Canterbury (FSNC). This has created more awareness of foodbanks and easier access for resources for our communities when needs arise.
“Thanks very much Hurunui. A district’s success during tough times is equated to those who roll their sleeves up and get stuck in, and the work is appreciated,” said Marie.
