Capital almost back to normal
Wellingtonians will be able to do just about everything except shop at the local farmers’ market when New Zealand returns to alert level 2 from Thursday.
Wellington City Council said yesterday almost all council facilities and services would reopen when the country moves out of alert level 3, albeit under very different rules and regulations.
A number of services had already been scheduled to recommence over the coming week regardless of the Government’s announcement on when level 3 restrictions would be lifted.
They included kerbside recycling from today, and the reopening of cemeteries, Wellington Gardens buildings, and Southern Landfill drop-offs on Thursday.
Five city libraries – in Johnsonville, Ngaio, Karori, Kilbirnie, and Newtown – were also due to open again on Thursday, while the Manners St and Wadestown libraries were scheduled to open the following Monday.
Although recycling collection would resume today, any items collected under level 3 would be taken to the landfill rather than recycled.
Also due to open under alert level 2 are all council-owned parks and open spaces, including sports grounds, outdoor courts, tracks and trails, playgrounds, skate parks, the Berhampore Golf Course, Hataitai Velodrome, Ian Galloway BMX Track, pump tracks, beaches, boat ramps, and marinas.
Changing rooms at sports grounds would remain closed.
Metered parking would also resume from today, after the council agreed last month to cancel free parking two weeks after New Zealand moved to alert level 3.
The council-run Harbourside Market would remain closed under alert level 2 because of the ban on gatherings of more than 100 people.
The Southern Landfill’s tip shop and bulk recycling centre would also remain closed.
A council spokeswoman said dates were still subject to change and would not be finalised until today.
‘‘Obviously, we reiterate the message to follow guidance from the Government, and to play it safe.’’
A Te Papa spokeswoman said the museum planned to open two weeks after New Zealand returned to alert level 2.