Resources

COVID-19 Resources & Updates

 All COVID-19 Requirements 

REMOVED for All New Zealand from 15 August 2023

 

In May 2020 the New Zealand Screen industry’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Standard and Protocols were endorsed by WorkSafe, which helped support local productions to re-start in New Zealand. The Standard and Protocols were developed by ScreenSafe, with a team of industry experts. Together the documents outline the principles of safe production and provide information about systems and resources to ensure working safely in New Zealand.  Thank you to all the SPADA members who provided invaluable feedback on these documents.

 

SCREENSAFE LATEST UPDATE: 14 September 2022 (COVID-19 Protection Framework ENDS) HERE

The COVID-19 Health and Safety Standard and Protocols

The Standard and Protocols include templates and production guidance and can be found on the ScreenSafe COVID-19 page.

All productions (regardless of size or budget) must follow the Health and Safety COVID-19 Standard & Protocols when developing individual Health & Safety Guidelines, you are also required to complete a simple registration with ScreenSafe in order to assist the Ministry of Health with contact tracing if needed and WorkSafe with monitoring.

 

Spada COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Template and COVID-19 Vaccination Code of Conduct Template 

(*Not mandated from 4 April 2022 - see UPDATE 1 APRIL 2022)

Spada has made available a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy TEMPLATE and a COVID-19 Vaccination Code of Conduct TEMPLATE 

 

For more information on the Standard and Protocols, and how to practically apply this to work in the screen sector you can watch the following discussions:

1            On Screen Sessions #2: Returning to work – health and safety on set through COVID-19
2            Create Wellington Screen Sector Series: Episode 4 - Return to Production Health and Safety (H&S) Toolkit discussion

 

Scroll down for further updates on any relevant changes to Alert Levels or other impacts on your personal or professional life in relation to COVID-19.

USEFUL LINKS NZ COVID-19 Page ScreenSafe COVID-19 Page RNZ COVID-19 Coverage Health & Wellbeing during COVID-19 NZ COVID Tracer App - on App Store / on GOOGLE PLAY

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LATEST UPDATES AND OTHER COVID RELATED INFORMATION

 

 

Rātu, 15 Here-turi-kōkā 2023 / Tuesday, 15 August 2023

All COVID-19 Requirements have now been removed as of Tuesday 15 August 2023. This includes

• 7 day mandatory isolation
• wearing of face masks for visitors to healthcare facilities

While no longer mandated, the Ministry of Health guidance is to stay at home for five days if you’re unwell or have tested positive for COVID-19.

Full details HERE

 

Rāapa, 14 Mahuru 2022 / Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Read the ScreenSafe Update on the removal of the COVID-19 Protection Framework HERE

 

Rāhina, 12 Mahuru 2022 / Monday, 12 September 2022

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for COVID-19 Response Dr Ayesha Verrall haves today announced the COVID-19 Protection Framework will be removed from midnight, Monday 12 September 2022 (tonight).

• Masks will no longer be required, except in healthcare and rest home environments.
• Only positive cases will be required to isolate.
• Household contacts will no longer be automatically required to isolate, instead they must undertake daily testing and isolate if positive.
• All government vaccine mandates to end on 26 September 2022.
• Removal of all vaccine requirements for incoming travellers and air crew.
• Leave support payments to continue.
• All New Zealanders over age 65, and Māori over age 50, to get automatic access to Covid-19 antiviral drugs if they test positive for Covid-19.

Read the full information HERE

 

Rāapare, 16 Pipiri 2022 / Thursday, 16 June 2022

Minister for COVID-19 Response Dr Ayesha Verrall has today announced that travellers to New Zealand will no longer need a COVID-19 pre-departure test from 11:59pm Monday 20 June 2022.

• In order to understand what new strains of COVID are arriving at the border, travellers will still be required to self-test on Day 0/1 and again on Day 5/6. If the result of either test is positive, they must then get a PCR test.
  
• From Monday evening, passengers transiting through New Zealand will no longer need to be vaccinated, nor be required to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Read the full information HERE

 

Rāapare, 24 Haratua 2022 / Thursday, 24 May 2022

Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins has today announced that New Zealand will remain at Orange in the COVID-19 Protection Framework. 

With case numbers beginning to rise in the northern areas along with the cold and flu season approaching the modelling suggests a strong likelihood of a second wave. People are advised to continue taking steps to minimise risk through the use of masks and hand washing and distance where possible, test if they have symptoms, and isolate if they test positive. 

The next review of the traffic light settings will be in late June 2022.

My Vaccine Pass

An updated My Vaccine Pass is now available to anyone aged 12 and over who is up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as those with a temporary medical exemption. 

People who had reported a positive rapid antigen test in the past three months would also be able to request a pass from 31 May.

More information on how to apply for an Updated My Vaccine Pass HERE

 

 

Rāapare, 17 Haratua 2022 / Thursday, 17 May 2022

ScreenSafe have released the latest Screen Industry Guidance - COVID-19 Protocols V4 (17 May 2022).

 

Rāapa, 11 Haratua 2022 / Wednesday, 11 May 2022

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has today announced:

• New Zealand’s border will reopen to all tourists and visa holders from 11:59pm 31 July 2022
• Changes have been made to simplifiy the Imigration Settings
• Other changes - Visa Extensions and a new Green List that includes over 85 hard to fill roles created to attract and retain high-skilled workers to fill skill shortages.

 Read the full update HERE

  

Rāapa, 13 Paenga-whāwhā 2022 / Wednesday, 13 April 2022

Following Cabinet's review of the Traffic Light Settings, COVID Response Minister Chris Hipkins has today announced:

• New Zealand will move to ORANGE Traffic Light Setting from 11:59PM Wednesday 13 April 2022 (tonight)

View Key Information HERE

Read the full update HERE

 

Rāmere, 1 Paenga-whāwhā / Friday, 1 April 2022

ScreenSafe have released an UPDATE, including information about:

• QR Codes
• MyVaccine Pass
• Worker Vaccine Mandates
• Mask Wearing
• Current Traffic Light Settings

Read the full update HERE

 

Rāapa, 23 Poutū-te-rangi / Wednesday, 23 March 2022

Today's announcement includes changes to the COVID19 Protection Framework:

• From 11:59PM Friday, 25 March 2022 Outdoor events have no limit, indoor events increase to 200 people
• From 11:59PM Monday 4 April 2022 Vaccine Passes and Scanning of QR Codes will no longer be mandatory
• RED Light Settings will be reviewed on 4 April 2022 and will remain in place until then.

Watch the full announcement HERE

 

Rāapa, 16 Poutū-te-rangi / Wednesday, 16 March 2022 

Today's announcement includes details of border reopening dates for travellers from Australia, and the rest of the world.

More information HERE

 

Rāapa, 9 Poutū-te-rangi / Wednesday, 9 March 2022 

Following today's announcement by Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins:

• Confirmed COVID-19 cases and Household Contacts isolation period to reduce from 10 days to 7 days. This change takes place from 11:59 PM, Friday, 11 March 2022.

You can find more information HERE

  

Rāhina, 28 Hui-tanguru / Monday, 28 February 2022

Changes to the self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travellers to New Zealand have been announced, including:

• Fully vaccinated travellers from Australia will no longer need to self-isolate from 11.59PM, Wednesday, 2 March 2022.
• Fully vaccinated New Zealanders (and other eligible travellers as noted in Step Two) from anywhere in the world no longer need to self-isolate from 11.59PM, Friday, 4 March 2022 (previously 13 March).

You can find more information HERE

 

Rāpare, 24 Hui-tanguru / Thursday, 24 February 2022 

Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins has announced All of New Zealand to Move to RED: PHASE THREE At 11:59PM Thursday 24 February 2022 (tonight).

This shift sees changes to Isolation requirements and Testing processes. Read more about these changes, along with links to support available HERE

Watch the full announcement HERE

 

Rāhina, 21 Hui-tanguru / Monday, 21 February 2022

The Prime Minister has announced that mandates will ease AFTER we the peak of Omicron has passed (peak expected mid-late March). 

Minister of Finance Grant Robertson and Revenue Minister David Parker have announced Additional Financial Support for COVID-19 affected businesses including *NEW* Covid Support Payment, extension to Small Business Loan Scheme and flexibility from IRD. 

Read more HERE

Watch the FULL ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

(Details of previously annoounced Financial Support HERE)

 

Rāhina, 14 Hui-tanguru / Monday, 14 February 2022

The Prime Minister has announced All of New Zealand to Move to RED: PHASE TWO At 11:59PM Tuesday 15 February 2022.

Phase Two involves changes to Isolation Periods and Testing, more information HERE

Watch the FULL ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

 

Rāmere, 4 Hui-tanguru / Friday, 4 February 2022

ScreenSafe have released a number of updates today to support the screen sector's management of COVID-19, and more specifically Omicron.
The OVERVIEW of ScreenSafe Protocols Update document provides more information, please note changes have been made to:

• Omicron Specific Information
• Mask Requirements
• Managing an Omicron Outbreak
• Vaccination Update
• Testing - Information on Rapid Antigen Testing and Saliva Testing
• ADR / Booth Work
• 5-Step Border Reopening

Changes have also been made to the documents ScreenSafe COVID19 Vaccination Passport GUIDANCE, and ScreenSafe COVID19 Non-Vaccination Passport GUIDANCE

 

Rāpare, 3 Hui-tanguru / Thursday, 3 February 2022

The New Zealand border is set to reopen in five stages, from 11:59PM, 27 February, 2022, replacing MIQ requirements with self-isolation for fully vaccinated travellers.

View details of the 5-stage plan HERE

 

Rāpaa, 2 Hui-tanguru / Wednesday, 2 February 2022

 The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage has announced:

• $15M Boost to the Screen Production Recovery Fund
• $35.5M Boost to Cultural Sector Emergency Relief Fund

More information HERE

 

27 January 2021

Following the Government announcements please read updates on:

• Mask Requirements
• 3-Phase Strategy for Omicron
• Financial Support Available
• Preparing for COVID-19 in Your Business

Available HERE

 

25 January 2021

On Saturday 22 January, following community detection of Omicron cases the Government announced:

• All of New Zealand moves to RED as of 11:59 PM Saturday, 22 January 2022

Visit the ScreenSafe COVID-19 page for specific information on operating at RED, including information for:

• Productions Using Vaccine Passports
• Productions Without Vaccine Passports
• Saliva Testing (currently being explored further by ScreenSafe)

More information about Life at RED HERE including specific details for Businesses and Workplaces

You can WATCH the full announcement, or READ the full transcript HERE

 

20 January 2022

Alert Levels:

• Northland to join the rest of New Zealand at ORANGE as of 11:59PM tonight.
• Government has indicated that the whole country will move to RED when the first community detection of an Omicron case occurs, so we advise members to be both personally and professionally prepared. 

Following today's Government COVID-19 update we've compiled the the key information which may be helpful for members and the braoder sector. You can read that HERE

 

31 December 2021 

All areas EXCEPT NORTHLAND, have now moved to Orange.

Restrictions remain for travel in and out of Auckland and Port of Waikato between 15 December 2021 and 17 January 2022. You can travel into and out of Auckland for any reason, but you must follow some restrictions to leave the Auckland boundary.

When leaving Auckland, no matter how long you have been inside the boundary:

• you must have your My Vaccine Pass with you, or
• you must carry evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before crossing the boundary.

Port Waikato is included in the boundary with Auckland, and travellers across the boundary must follow the same rules.

 

13 December 2021

Cabinet has decided, on the recommendation of the Director-General of Health:

• Auckland will move to Rrange at 11.59 p.m. on Thursday, 30 December 2021
• The remaining areas that are currently in red, excluding Northland, will also move to orange at 11.59 p.m. on Thursday, 30 December 2021.

Also of note:

• While any decisions will not be made until early January, it is noted that the emergence of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 may impact the proposed changes to the international border which were ANNOUNCED 24 NOVEMBER 2021. If international travel is part of any personal or professional plan in early 2022 take care to follow future COVID-19 Updates in early 2022. 

 

3 December 2021

The COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Light System) is now in place:

• RED: Northland, Auckland, Taupō and Rotorua Lakes Districts, Kawerau, Whakatane, Ōpōtiki Districts, Gisborne District, Wairoa District, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts.
• ORANGE: Rest of North Island, and All of South Island

More information about Life at RED HERE including specific details for Businesses and Workplaces
More information about Life at ORANGE HERE including specific details for Businesses and Workplaces

Traffic Light levels for all areas will be reviewed again on Monday, 17 January 2022 

 

24 November 2021

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced the re-opening of New Zealand's international borders, which will take place in three stages from January to April 2022. The plan will allow certain travellers to enter New Zealand without going into MIQ, with a mandatory seven day self-isolation period in place for people not required to enter MIQ.

3-step plan for entering NZ without going into MIQ:

• Fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens and other eligible travellers can travel to New Zealand from Australia without staying in MIQ from 11:59pm on 16 January 2022 (provided they have been in Australia or New Zealand for the past 14 days).
• Fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens and other eligible travellers from all but very high risk countries, from 11:59pm on Sunday 13 February 2022.
• Fully vaccinated foreign nationals (possibly staged by visa category), from 30 April 2022 onwards.

You can watch the full announcement HERE or read the update HERE.

 

23 November 2021

 Recent announceme December nts include:

 

15 November 2021

Following a meeting with Cabinet today Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced:

• Waikato will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59PM Tuesday 16 November 2021
• Auckland remains at Alert Level 3 - Step 2 
• Northland and the Rest of New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 2.

You can watch the full announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield HERE

You can read more detail HERE

Other key inforamtion:

• Booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine will start being administered from 29 November if it has been 6 months since your second dose.
• Further details of the Auckland boundary and how boundaries may operate in the COVID Protection Framework will be announced on Wednesday, 17 November 2021. 

 

8 November 2021

Following a meeting with Cabinet today Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced:

• Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 - Step 2 at 11.59pm tomorrow, Tuesday, 9 November 2021.
• Northland will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm Thursday, 11 November 2021. 
• Waikato remains at Alert Level 3 - Step 2.
• The Rest of New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 2.

You can watch the full announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield HERE

You can read more detail HERE

 

2 November 2021

Following 2 unlinked community cases reported in the Far North, Upper Northland will move to Alert Level 3 from 11:59pm tonight.

You can read the full Alert Update on Northland HERE

 

1 November 2021

Today's Government announcement will be welcome news for many - Cabinet has decided in principle that:

• Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 - Step 2 next Tuesday, 9 November, at 11.59pm.
• Waikato will move to Alert Level 3 - Step 2 tomorrow, Tuesday, 2 November, at 11.59pm.
• The Rest of New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 2.
• 75 percent of eligible New Zealanders are now fully vaccinated, and 80 percent can be expected to reach that milestone next week. Auckland is already at 80 percent. (As of yesterday)

You can watch the full announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield HERE

A key points summary is available HERE

 

22 October 2021

Key announcements have been made today:

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the new COVID-19 Protection Framework, a 'traffic light' system which signals the way forward in the management of the pandemic. The overall goal is now to minimise and manage COVID-19 in the community, with work to control and contain outbreaks, and stamp them out wherever possible. 

• Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced details of additional financial support for businesses and employees, with a focus on those in Auckland. There is also funding for advice and mental health support available. 
• Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health) Peeni Henare announced details of additional funding to support Māori vaccination efforts, including those delivered by Māori and iwi initiatives.

 There is quite a bit to digest, and more information for each of these announcments can be found below. However, the simple takeaway is that vaccination is now the primary tool to manage COVID-19, and:

 Businesses who require vaccination certificates will be able to operate at every level. 

• People who wish to go to a bar, a hairdresser, a gym, an event or gathering, will need proof of vaccination in order to carry out these actions at every level.

 

If you would like to book your first or second Vaccine you can find times and locations HERE.

The team at ScreenSafe will need a little time to establish the finer details of how the new COVID-19 Protection Framework will impact on the screen sector specifically, and we'll send through any updates as they come through. In the meantime we hope this information helps you understand the next stage in managing the impact of the pandemic both personally and professionally.

 

COVID-19 Protection Framework

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the new COVID-19 Protection Framework, a 'traffic light' system which signals the way forward in the management of the pandemic. The overall goal is now to minimise and manage COVID-19 in the community, with work to control and contain outbreaks, and stamp them out wherever possible. 

Once 90% of eligible New Zealanders are fully vaccinated and protected, the new framework will be introduced that does not rely on lockdowns as the main measure to stop the virus spreading.

Key details include:

• The goal is for 90% of the eligible population (12+) to be fully vaccinated within each DHB region.
• Auckland will move into the red setting as soon as all three DHBs hit the 90 per cent fully vaccinated target.
• Once all the rest of NZ's DHBs hit their 90 per cent fully vaccinated targets they will move into the orange setting.
• Vaccine certificates are to be mandated to access venues and events throughout the country.
• Where cases climb and vaccine rates are low, localized lockdowns can be used.
• Cabinet will review the progress NZ has made on 29 November 2021.

 

There are three different levels in the COVID-19 Protection Framework - Green, Orange and Red. Full details of the framework and the requirements at each level can be found HERE

Vaccination Certificates

Vaccination Certificates are in development and will be made available soon. There will be different vaccination certificates depending on whether you are using them within New Zealand, or for international travel. The QR codes will be different, and your international certificate will have more personal information.

You will be able to either print or save the QR codes on your smartphone in your Apple Wallet or Google Pay.

My Covid Record is where you can access details of the COVID-19 vaccinations you have already had — including date, time, location, and batch number. The information comes from the data stored in the national COVID-19 Immunisation Register (CIR). Soon, this will also be where you can download domestic and international digital vaccination certificates, and find your COVID-19 test results.

 

Financial Support & Mental Health Support

Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced details of additional financial support for businesses and employees, with a focus on those in Auckland. The Government will boost payments to businesses affected by higher alert levels as the country transitions to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework. 

Resurgence Support Payment Boost

After the next scheduled payment on 29 October Resurgence Support Payments will move to fortnightly payments at double the current rate. The enhanced support will first be paid on 12 November and fortnightly thereafter until Auckland is able to move into the new framework.

Currently the RSP is paid at a base rate of $1,500 per eligible business and $400 for each full-time employee up to a total of $21,500.

For the payments starting on 12 November this will be $3,000 per business and $800 per FTE, up to 50 FTEs. This will make the maximum fortnightly payment $43,000.

The Wage Subsidy Scheme will also continue. The estimated cost of providing both the weekly RSP and the wage subsidy is up to $940 million per fortnight through this transitional period.

APPLY for Resurgence Support HERE

Business Advice and Mental Health Support
A $60 million package for business advice and mental health support will be made available to help Auckland businesses through this transition period.

Businesses will be able to apply for up to $3000 worth of advice and planning support, and then receive up to $4,000 to implement that advice through the established Regional Business Partners programme. 

As part of the package, $10 million is available for mental health and wellbeing support through a programme to be designed with the EMA and Auckland Business Chamber of Commerce. 

Details of the additional business support announced today will be available HERE as soon as the changes have been updated.

Hardship Assistance for Low Income Earners
Income limits for Hardship Support through the Ministry of Social Development have been temporarily lifted so more people can receive assistance.

The extended COVID-19 restrictions are having an impact on low income households who tend to have less certainty of work. Currently a single person working 30 hours per week on the minimum wage is not eligible for hardship assistance from Work and Income. The Government is lifting the income limits for assistance to 40 hours at the minimum wage, or $800 per week and $1,600 per week for a couple with or without children. The temporary income eligibility criteria will come into force from 1 November for 4 months. 28 February 2022 will be the last day the increased limits will apply. More information HERE 

 

USEFUL LINKS NZ COVID-19 Page ScreenSafe COVID-19 Page RNZ COVID-19 Coverage Health & Wellbeing during COVID-19 NZ COVID Tracer App - on App Store / on GOOGLE PLAY