COVID-19

As COVID-19 continues to be active in our community, we encourage you to remain vigilant with healthy habits.

For the wellbeing of our whole community, please practice good hygiene measures: wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser, keep up to date with boosters for COVID-19 and the flu vaccine, and stay home when you are unwell.

Public health guidelines

These public health measures continue to apply:

  • Isolate for 7 days if you test positive for COVID-19.
  • Wear a face mask in certain healthcare and disability facilities, such as Mauri Ora (Student Health and Counselling), Te Amaru—Disability Services, and the Unichem Pharmacy on Kelburn Campus.
  • If you are unwell, stay at home and study remotely if you are able.

Individual businesses and some services on campus may ask you to wear a face mask. Individuals may choose to wear face masks.

Health practices in our buildings

Hand sanitiser stations can be found around our campuses and will be regularly refilled. High-contact surfaces like door handles, handrails, push plates, taps, and tables are being cleaned frequently.

Where to get face masks and COVID-19 tests

If you are symptom free and cannot easily make it to a collection point, you can pick up free packs of surgical face masks and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) at these locations on campus:

  • Lecture theatres and tutorial rooms
  • Student Service Centres (staff and students):
    • Hunter Building Ground floor
    • Pipitea: Ground floor
    • Te Aro: Ground floor
  • VUWSA, Level 4 Student Union Building (students only)
  • Āwhina whānau rooms (students only)
    • RHMZ219
    • VZ004
    • GB26 office
  • Pasifika Student Success (students only)
    • VZ511
    • CO145a (MPI shared space)
    • TTR107 (MPI shared space)
    • VS128a (MPI shared space)
    • RHMZ18

Supplies are limited, so please only collect what you need.

There is also a limited supply of N95 / P2 masks available for staff and students who are at higher risk of the effects of COVID-19. These can be collected from the Mailroom (2 Waiteata Road) for staff, and Te Amaru—Disability Services (Level 1, Robert Stout Building) for students.

Support available to students

The Pūtea Āwhina—Hardship Fund is available to support students facing financial hardship, including those affected by COVID-19, and eligible students are able to borrow a laptop for the duration of their study.

Work and Income are offering extra support to those who are self-isolating. You can find out more on their website, or call their free COVID Welfare Line on 0800 512 337.

Support for disabled students

We know that many disabled students have made good use of the inclusivity dual mode offered and have questions about accessing your education from Trimester 1 2023 when teaching and learning delivery changes. Te Amaru—Disability Services can work with you and your course coordinator to ensure your courses can remain accessible to you.

If you are at higher risk of the effects of COVID-19 the University wants to ensure you are aware of services available and able to participate in your studies.

We understand that this continues to be a challenging time for students who are at higher risk. If you have a medical condition or compromised immunity, we strongly recommend that you discuss your health needs with your GP, nurse or specialist and create a personal support plan. Mauri Ora, our on-campus Student Health and Counselling service, can support you in doing this.

Financial support

The Pūtea Āwhina—Hardship Fund is available to support students facing financial hardship, including those affected by COVID-19, and eligible students are able to borrow a laptop for the duration of their study.

Work and Income are offering extra support to those who are self-isolating. You can find out more on their website, or call their free COVID Welfare Line on 0800 512 337.

While you are self-isolating

If you are self-isolating and need groceries, the Student Volunteer Army can help. Enter code VUWISOLATION at checkout for free delivery.

The VUWSA Community Pantry gives our food parcels to students who need them throughout the year. They also have a limited supply of medical packs for COVID-19 available. Friends can collect on your behalf if you are isolating. Pick up from the VUWSA Kelburn Reception (Student Union Building) 9am - 5pm, Monday – Friday.

Find out more information about if you test positive for COVID-19.

Self-isolating in Halls of Residence

We offer a range of support to students who become unwell and need to isolate in our halls, including regular check-ins from staff, supply of RATs, dedicated bathroom facilities and safe dining arrangements.

Find out more about self-isolation in Halls of Residents.