He Pānui Kōhungahunga
Special Bulletin – 30 January 2023
He Pānui Kōhungahunga
Kia ora koutou Tāmaki Makaurau,
The Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) today asked us to consider closing Auckland schools, early learning services and tertiary institutions to reduce traffic movement while vital infrastructure is urgently repaired.
With the possibility of further weather damage leading to more disruption, as the Secretary for Education I have directed that schools, kura, early learning services and tertiary institutions in the Auckland region (Wellsford to Pukekohe) to close for physical onsite attendance and instruction until Friday, opening after Waitangi weekend on Tuesday 7 February
I have taken the decision to use my power under Section 654 of the Education and Training Act 2020 to direct each governing body of a registered school, private training establishment, or institution in [Auckland] to close for both physical attendance and instruction until Tuesday 7 February.
Section 654 of the Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation
While today there may be some minor relief from the rain, another heavy rain warning is in place for Auckland from 6pm Tuesday 31 January.
We need to get Tāmaki Makaurau back up and running as quickly as possible.
Early Learning Services may allow the physical attendance of any child whose parent needs them to do so, in the same way that we did for COVID-19, but otherwise the service must be closed.
It was not a decision made lightly. You’ll find more information about how we can support you in this bulletin.
Noho ora mai,
Iona
Emergency closure funding
Emergency closure funding may be claimed by licensed early childhood services in the Auckland region for the period of the state of emergency.
Funding can be claimed using the emergency closure (EC) code in your student management system (SMS). Through this code, funding will be claimed for all children who are permanently enrolled at your service on the affected day.
If your service remains open for children of essential workers, funding may be claimed as normal. No emergency closure code is required.
Services within the Auckland region do not need to contact their local Te Mahau office about claiming emergency closure funding during the period of the state of emergency.
Absence funding
Absence funding may be claimed as normal for children who do not attend if your service is open for children of essential workers.
We are aware of the impact COVID-19 has had on absences in the lead-up to this event. We will provide further advice about absence funding in the coming days.
More information
