MEDIA STATEMENT
COVID-19 UPDATE:
Monday, 25 January 2021
 
NGĀTIWAI CALLS FOR MORE RESOURCE INTO COVID19 TESTING
 
The Ngātiwai Trust Board have today raised urgent concerns with the Northland District Health Board and Government Officials about the inadequate number of Community based testing Centres currently available in the Whangarei – Kaipara region.
 
Ngātiwai Trust Board Chairman, Aperahama Kerepeti-Edwards says, “We have had a number of kaumātua and whānau contact us today distressed and anxious”.
“They have said that they are arriving at the testing centres only to find huge queues and wait times of three hours or more.  They are sitting in their cars in near 30 degree heat, getting hot, thirsty and distressed.”

“At both of the Community based testing centres here in Whangarei and Kamo, whānau are telling us the wait times are horrendous.  We are encouraging our whānau who are feeling unwell, showing symptoms or have been to one of the locations identified as visited by this person, to go get tested, however when attending a testing station there are not enough staff to cope with the increased demand.”

“We have conveyed to our whānau, that testing is also available at their local GP practice. We ask for health officials to provide clear communications to our iwi and community on the testing options available locally.”

The Ngātiwai rohe is heavily populated during the summer months, with some areas doubling in population during this time.  This will be contributing to the testing stations being under heavy strain and should be considered in how many testing centres are made available.

“We are calling on The Government and the Northland District Health Board to move urgently and provide more resource into testing.” says Aperahama Kerepeti-Edwards.
 
We acknowledge the nurses and those working the front line at these testing centres.  We know how hard they are working and the strain they too are under.  We simply ask that they are better assisted to complete the huge task ahead of them.  We also remind our whānau and the wider community to be mindful of the staff and to be kind to one another.
 
“If you or one of your whānau feel unwell you must stay home, contact your GP and get tested.   Keep your whānau and friends safe by washing your hands, staying home until tested and to track your movements using the COVID tracer app with your Bluetooth on.
 
“Please remain calm as we await for more information, but stay vigilant and ensure we do all the things we know and should be doing to keep ourselves and our whānau safe.”
 
 
ENDS
 
Contacts:      Aperahama Kerepeti-Edwards, Chairman, Ngātiwai Trust Board
                        Phone:  09 430 0939
                        E-mail:  aperahama.edwards@ngatiwai.iwi.nz
                       
                        Barry Caldwell, Communications Advisor, Ngātiwai Trust Board
                        Phone:  021 728 291
                        Email: barry.caldwell@ngātiwai.iwi.nz

• Aotea Kids Scholarship Programme: - The scholarship programme is now open for applications which are available on the Board’s social media pages. The criteria for the programme is included in the application.

 

• Mokau Marae Opening: - Is scheduled for Saturday 30th January 2021, Ngātiwai Trust Board will be involved with providing support and assistance where needed.

 

• Scholarships: - The Board approved 3 scholarship applications for Johnny Sadler, Ngātiwai Poitukohu Basketball. Kasey Walters, IPS Junior National Touch, 7 children and Toni Ford for Maori Football North versus South tournament.

 

• Trustee Meeting Calendar 2021: - A meeting calendar for the next year is being developed by trustees aside of business matters it will include meetings being held at marae on alternate months.

 

• Trustee Sub-Committees: - Will be selected at the first trustee meeting in January 2021.