With a focus towards moving out of COVID-19 Lockdowns, lots has happened in the last fortnight as New Zealand prepares for the next stage of this pandemic – living our lives as safely as possible within a COVID-19 environment. Read on to learn more and access COVID-19 resources. 

COVID-19 Protection Framework 

The Government has announced details of its Covid-19 Protection Framework, involving the roll-out of a 'traffic-light' system once all DHBs hit 90 percent full vaccination rates. A vaccine certificate will be central to the new framework, and the system will involve three settings – green, orange and red. 

Read the full announcement
Read about the COVID-19 Protection Framework
Download the COVID-19 Protection Framework 

COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Legislation 

To align with the COVID-19 Protection Framework, the Government will mandate vaccinations for workers at businesses where customers need to show COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates, such as hospitality and close-contact businesses. 

Find out more from: 

Employment NZ: Government announces COVID-19 Workplace vaccination legislation
Worksafe: How to decide what work requires a vaccinated employee
Ministry of Health: Mandatory vaccinations
Newshub: 40% of New Zealand’s workforce faces mandatory vaccination

Construction sector calls for compulsory vaccination 

Earlier this week, the Government mandated vaccines for all staff at businesses that may use vaccine certificates – like bars, restaurants, hairdressers, and gyms. The construction sector could be next. 

The NZIOB supports the Registered Master Builders Association's (RMBA) call for the government to mandate vaccinations for the construction sector. While RMBA’s media release last week, and subsequent support from Master Plumbers, was primarily focused on the imperative for vaccinations to be mandated so that tradespeople can work safely within their clients' homes, the issue is just as pressing for the vertical component of the construction sector that the NZIOB membership works within.

The NZIOB agrees with our association peers that making vaccinations mandatory is the most effective way to ensure that the construction industry stays operational, while reducing the risk of our workforce catching or spreading COIVID-19. As New Zealand quickly moves to a pandemic containment strategy, the NZIOB is also supportive of main contractors being able to implement Rapid Antigen Testing on live construction sites as soon as practical. 

Listen to RNZ interview with David Kelly of Master Builders
Read Newshub article
Read Stuff article