COVID-19 frequently asked questions 

In Alert Level 2 we will still be having classes at Wintec, and we will be putting in the precautions needed at this level. Please lookout for any updates on classes from your tutors at this time.

What you need to know

Alert Level 2 is not life as normal. You can still go to class and work, but you should:

• Keep your distance from other people in public (at least 1m in education)
• Wash your hands
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow
• Keep a track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen using the COVID-19 tracker app and the QR codes on entry to buildings
• Wear a personal mask if you can
• Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving home.

If you're unwell

If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or class. Don’t socialise.
If you have symptoms of cold or flu call your doctor or Healthline and get advice about being tested.
If you have been told to self-isolate you must do so immediately.

Personal movement

At Alert Level 2, you can leave home, but you should follow public health measures and consider others around you.

Physical distancing

Keep your distance when out and about:

2 metres in public and in retail stores, like supermarkets and clothes shops.
1 metre in most other environments like Wintec, workplaces, cafes, restaurants, and gyms.

Masks

At Alert Level 2, the risk of COVID-19 being present in the community is higher. You should wear masks in situations where physical distancing is not possible, like on public transport or in shops.

It’s important Wintec is a safe environment for everyone at Alert Level 2.  

Please be assured that increased cleaning regimes are in place at Wintec, and there is hand sanitiser readily available in all areas.  

Be kind to others and to yourself. Keep well informed from reliable sources. Find out more about Alert Level 2.

Wintec buildings and services are open as normal.

City Campus

• The City Hub is open to everyone from 7am-8pm Monday–Thursday and until 5pm on Friday with swipe access for staff and students outside of these hours and over the weekend.
• The Library is open 8am until 4pm weekdays, and also operating online.
• ITS Help Desk is open from 8am until 4pm or email servicedesk@wintec.ac.nz or call 0800 494 6832.
• Wintec Health Services on the City campus is open 8.30am–3.30pm Monday-Friday. Please phone first on 07 834 8869 to make an appointment.

Rotokauri Campus

• The Rotokauri Hub (S Block) is open from 6am-7pm Monday–Friday with swipe access for staff and students outside these hours and over the weekend until 10pm.
• The Library is open 8am until 4pm weekdays, and also operating online.
• Health Services at Rotokauri is open on Wednesdays from 8.30am–3.30pm. Please phone first on 07 834 8869 to make an appointment.
  

Course fee refunds can vary depending on when you withdraw. Course fee refunds can vary depending on when you withdraw. Click here to read the Wintec Fees and Refund Policy, Principles and Procedures.

If you are thinking about withdrawing, please talk to your tutor or contact a Student Representative here to see if there is any support we can give you. If you do feel you have no option but to withdraw, please follow the normal process of filling out a Change to Enrolment and Withdrawal Form.

If you are struggling with unexpected financial hardship, you can apply for our Manaaki Financial Support Grant. You will need to provide some information about your situation, but you will not need to pay the grant back. Please fill out the Manaaki Financial Support Grant form, and we will be in contact.

The Government has increased the amount of support available for domestic students through StudyLink. Check out the link for all the details and StudyLink may also be able to help you if you have emergency costs.

Remember, if your parents have a change in their income, you may become eligible for Student Allowance, or the amount you can get may change. Find more information here. 

The Mental Health Foundation has a number of tools to help with your mental wellbeing. You can also check out these pages for support:

• Getting Through Together
• All Right?

You can find out what government support is available to you if you are struggling to get essential services and basic needs here.

The following resources contain up-to-date information relating to COVID-19:

• For answers to questions about student allowance and living costs payments refer to StudyLink.
• For health advice, refer to the Ministry of Health.
• Find out more about COVID-19 and Alert Level 1. 
• For more student advice, refer to the Ministry of Education.
  

At Alert Level 2, the risk of COVID-19 being present in the community is higher and social distancing applies:

• 2 metres in public and in retail stores, like supermarkets and clothes shops.
• 1 metre in most other environments like Wintec, workplaces, cafes, restaurants, and gyms.

You should wear masks in situations where physical distancing is not possible, like on public transport or in shops.

Wintec hubs and services will remain open during Level 2.

Remember to scan your QR code when going into the hubs so that we can continue with contact tracing.

Unless you are feeling unwell, or have symptoms, it’s business as usual for study and work. If you were in any places the COVID-19 Government tracing team are concerned about, then you may get a phone call if you used the contact tracing app.

If you have symptoms, then please get tested. If not, please try not to stress about it.