Napier Aquatic Center FAQs

How does the traffic light system (also known as the COVID-19 Protection Framework) affect me as a customer of Napier Aquatic Centre?  

Everyone aged 12 or over will need to present their My Vaccine Pass to a staff member to be verified before entering.  

Will I have to show a My Vaccine Pass every time I walk in the door?  

If you are attending an event, are part of an organisation that has a regular booking, or have joined one of our programmes, your information will be stored for the duration of the event or booking, or while you are attending our programme.  

Do I still have to scan the QR code or sign in, and wear a face covering?  

Yes, you are still required to scan your QR code for signing in. According to Government guidelines under the new traffic light system, face coverings are required in common areas of the Napier Aquatic Centre.  

Why has the Napier Aquatic Centre decided to opt into using the My Vaccine Pass?  

Napier City Council has re-run the risk assessment for all of its facilities within the Traffic light settings, using the most recent COVID-19 Protection Framework Guidance for Local Government.  As a result of this assessment, Napier Aquatic Centre will require the use of My Vaccine Passes from 15 January 2022.

This re-assessment considered factors such as

• the unique operational situation
• the nature of the building layout
• the limited ability to physically distance for swim school participants, and
• that customers can’t wear masks in all situations. 

The requirement for My Vaccine Passes from 15^th January 2022 coincides with the return of many of the Aquatic Centre’s close contact activities.

COVID-19 poses a very real and serious risk, and opting in to using My Vaccine Passes in light of the re-assessment is the best way to keep our customers and our team safe.

What are the capacity limits and how will these be managed?

A facility such as ours has to limit customers based on the number of people who can visit while keeping a physical distance of at least 1m.  The capacity for the Ivan Wilson complex will be limited to 150 people, with an additional 50 people in the Old Pool.  Allan’s Pool (Flanders Ave side) and the gym are separate areas and capacity will be over and above these limits for the main two pool areas.  

Will Napier Aquatic Centre staff be fully vaccinated?

Yes.

What public health measures will continue under this new framework?  

There are a number of measures we have in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers, team members, and communities.  Some of these include:  

• COVID-19 sanitizing stations at entrance to venue  
• QR code scanning for all visitors to the facility  
• Face masks required for all those visiting the facility, and wearing in all common areas  
• Implementation of a robust contact tracing log for all staff, suppliers, contractors and anyone else coming into our venue.  
• Implementation of social distancing floor markings and stanchions at entrance to venue.  
• Regularly disinfecting surfaces and increasing the level and frequency of cleaning bathrooms and disposal procedures for rubbish bins  
• PPE equipment that will be used by our staff in certain instances – for example, during regular bathroom cleans.   

What if I am unvaccinated?  

We will refuse entry to people who cannot show a valid My Vaccine Pass. Businesses which have opted in to the My Vaccine Pass system but fail to check certificates or exemptions can be fined up to $12,000, or $15,000 if the Courts impose a fine.  

If, under the new traffic light system, I am unable to attend a programme I have already paid for, am I liable for any cancellation costs and would I receive a refund of any monies paid? 

At orange and green level the standard cancellation fees will apply as per our Conditions of Hire Agreement. If programmes are cancelled in red level (due to another COVID outbreak) this will be on a case by case basis. 

Who will be responsible for scanning and checking My Vaccine Passes?  Will you have the appropriate equipment for this?  

The staff at the Napier Aquatic Centre have the New Zealand Pass Verifier App on a device and will use this to ensure everyone entering the facility is scanned and verified as double vaccinated.  

Where can I find more information on how the traffic light system works?  

For general information, and any updates visit https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/covid-19-protection/