From Tuesday, 5 April, vaccine passes will not be required to enter Whakatāne District Council public facilities.

Whakatāne District Council this afternoon voted to remove the vaccine pass requirement introduced in early December 2021 to Council facilities (excluding Council parks, reserves, playgrounds, cemeteries, the Murupara pool, transfer stations, and public toilets not located inside a Council property).

This decision aligns with the government's recent announcement of changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, a trigger that had previously been signalled as the time that Council would review its position.

Mayor Judy Turner asked for continued patience in the few days left before the pass requirement ends and following that as people get used to the change. "Our public-facing staff have continued to do a wonderful job in the really difficult last few months and regrettably bore the brunt of anger, confusion and frustration from some who did not agree with the measures Council introduced.

I stand behind the need for those measures at that time and agree that on balance we are now in a position where they can be removed. It would be very sad if staff had to encounter continued aggression. I want to reassure all facility users that Council management will continue to follow the current best public health advice when determining ways of operating to keep visitors and staff safe as we all continue to navigate living with COVID in our communities."