Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) wants residents to know that a range of council services are available online and by telephone.

For anyone who is able to use these methods, the council is encouraging them to use them to reduce the risk of community transmission of Covid-19.

Its customer service offices are still open for people who need to access in-person services.

QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said the council had adapted its staffing arrangements and operations to ensure the continuity of existing services as much as possible.

QLDC CEO Mike Theelen says council is encouraging residents to seek out services and information from council via its website.

“Since the start of the global pandemic we’ve been operating a business continuity planning team drawn from across the organisation,” Mike said.

“They’ve been focused on ensuring council remains able to meet the needs of our community.”

Service and information like making payments, registering dogs, arranging bin collections and applying for resource and building consents can all be made online, he said.

Mike said general issues can now be raised via the ‘Snap, Send, Solve’ mobile app as well as a ‘fix it’ request via the website. 

Planning queries can be emailed or phoned in anytime via customer services with the duty planner responding within 48 hours.

“We do ask that everyone visiting our offices…respects the wellbeing of our staff by wearing a face mask that follows government guidelines, looping over the ears and covering your nose, mouth and chin,” Mike said.

At sport and recreation venues and libraries everyone older than 12 years and three must show their official vaccine pass or exemption. 

These are not currently required at QLDC customer service offices.

PHOTOS: Supplied