NZ Covid-19 Updates
Updated Guidelines for Body Corporate General Meetings under the Covid-19 Protection Framework
In December 2021, New Zealand moved into the Covid-19 Protection Framework, also known as the “traffic light system.”
The Covid-19 Protection Framework replaced the Alert Level system, and allows free movement of people with restrictions on certain activities depending on a person’s vaccination status and which level of the Framework applies to their location, either RED, ORANGE, or GREEN.
Recently, the government announced a shift to level ORANGE and changes to aspects of the framework, including removing the need for persons to show a government generated CVC (Vaccination Certificate), and removing the need for QR Code contact tracing. Requirements for body corporate meetings now include:
-
No capacity limits indoors or outdoors.
-
Owners can elect to attend in person or remotely.
-
Body Corporate or Manager cannot impose any CVC restrictions.
-
Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required
As a result of these changes, SCA (NZ) has updated its guide to assist in the navigation of Body Corporate general meetings under the present framework, to ensure the requirements under the current Unit Titles Act 2010 (UTA) legislation are carefully considered.
This guide has been prepared:
-
By a Covid-19 taskforce assembled by SCA (NZ); and
-
Using information made available by Government on the Covid-19 Protection Framework prior to and immediately after New Zealand moved to the Framework.
.
Therefore, this guide is subject to change should Government alter any aspects of the Framework and associated Order in the future or should its interpretation and application change over time. If that occurs causing this guide to be out of date, SCA (NZ) will endeavour to update this guide as soon as practicable and advise SCA (NZ) members accordingly.
For full details of the proposed Framework and related information please visit:
https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/covid-19-protection-framework/
https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/covid-19-protection-framework/
At the back of this guide is a copy of the Government generated Covid-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) Table available at the time this guide was prepared.
For the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Protection Framework) Order 2021, please visit:
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0386/latest/LMS563461.html
When reviewing the Order, we recommend you start with the Explanatory Note at the back of the Order which has helpful instructions on navigating and applying the Order under the specified traffic light level for your location.
Email us on admin@strata.community if you have any other questions.
Disclaimer
SCA (NZ) provides guidance in good faith and makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this guide. The information in this guide cannot be taken as professional advice (legal or otherwise). SCA (NZ) is reliant upon Government information and what we believe to be other reliable and expert sources to provide accurate and sufficient information.
We recommend that you continue to monitor publicly available information, including the Government’s Covid-19 information and the Protection Framework (please visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/), and exercise personal and professional judgement and seek legal or other advice where you deem necessary.
Dwellings with 10 or more units, that are either multi-storey or multiple titles under the one roof with one entry and exit to the building fall under the Unit Titles Act 2010 and will have a Body Corporate in place to carry out the general management of the building. Body Corporates can have a Committee who provides this management function, and Committees may appoint a Building Manager to oversee the day-to-day maintenance and running of the building.
The Ministry of Health has released a guide for residents and Committees on isolating in Apartments
The guide is for residents and Body Corporate Committees which outlines the prevention and control procedures for COVID-19 cases self-isolating in apartments. It covers infection prevention and control precautions, how to control of exposure at source, including adequate ventilation systems to reduce exposure to infection. This includes:
-
Building exit and entry points
-
Foyer and waiting areas
-
Lifts and stairwells
-
Gardens and courtyards
-
Other common areas
-
Ventilation
-
Balconies
-
Rubbish chutes and waste areas
-
Cleaning, construction, repairs, maintenance, and safety
-
Emergencies
-
Property inspections and auctions
-
Body Corporate Committee meetings
Management of confirmed COVID-19 Case
If a confirmed COVID-19 case is identified in your building, it identifies thta the following steps will occur:
-
The person will be notified that they have tested positive for COVID-19. The person will need to isolate until they are no longer infectious and are cleared to leave isolation. They may isolate in their residence if they are able to do so safely. The person may also be admitted to hospital if they are very sick, or to a dedicated facility if it’s not safe for them to isolate at home.
-
Some residents, staff and contractors may be considered close contacts and will also need to quarantine at home. Public Health will advise those individuals directly.
-
COVID-19 cases or close contacts may need medical support while isolating at home. It is important emergency services can access the apartment(s) for cases and contacts 24 hours a day, with no barriers to entry. You will need to help facilitate this.
-
If the case or close contacts are members of your staff, they can request a work exemption letter from Public Health to show you, their employer. They will also be given a release letter when they are safe to return to work, which you can ask to see.
-
It is important you do not name the resident, contractor or staff member with COVID-19 or their apartment number. This is confidential information and should not be disclosed to others.
-
Self-isolation advice is given to all COVID-19 cases and close contacts.
DOWNLOAD GUIDE HERE - Refer to Appendix 1 – Checklist, Preparing for a COVID-19 Case