Heoi anā, our job is to keep up the good work so we can bend the curve and then flatten it. Nā reira, kia ū tonu tātou ki ngā tikanga hauora me ngā ture. Stay home, save lives, be kind.

If you have overdue rent and you're worried you will lose your housing, you can talk to Work and Income for support. If money is tight and you're worried you'll lose your housing because you owe rent, you may be able to get Rent Arrears Assistance.

Today has reminded me of the importance of kotahitanga, a value that we know is inherent to how we live as Māori. Kotahitanga is what will get us through this latest COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown, and it is what will enable recovery on the other side. Collectively sticking to the rules protects not only ourselves but the wellbeing of our whānau and communities.

Teachers and support staff across all early learning services, kōhanga reo, kura, and state and state-integrated schools can now access free COVID-19 Employee Assistance Programme support, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today.

Heoi anō e te iwi, we still have a long way to go. So, please keep encouraging your friends and whānau who are eligible to book in for their vaccinations.

Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu has been advocating for additional support to be funnelled into our communities, and will be working closely with the Whānau Ora network to support the amazing work already being done across the motu.