COVID - 19 Updates

Orange Sky has put in place a COVID-19 Management Plan in line with public health measures issued by the Ministry of Health to create the safest environment possible with the changing circumstances. We regularly liaise with service provider partners to ensure that the shift environment is as safe as possible.

Keeping the community safe is one of Orange Sky’s highest priorities and we take this seriously as an organisation. We have created a COVID-19 Management Plan consisting of multiple controls to support keeping the community safe. While several of these will be in place for the foreseeable future, other control measures are activated based on the current risk levels. The controls consist of the following: 

1. Social distancing (2m) and encouraging others to do so as well.
2. Face masks are available on shifts and must be worn when mandated by the relevant authority.
3. Prioritising vaccinated volunteers on shift when risk levels increase
4. If volunteers are unwell and experiencing cold and/or flu-like symptoms, they must not attend shift.
5. Hand hygiene is promoted throughout the shift including washing hands regularly with soap and water and/or using the hand sanitiser.
6. Increased cleaning during and at the end of shift including touchpoints, orange chairs, tables, door handles, washing baskets etc.
7. The use of PPE including disposable gloves, masks, and safety glasses.

We are continuously monitoring the changing COVID-19 environment, and will communicate any further changes in our operations promptly. 

Yes, Orange Sky is considered an essential service as part of New Zealand’s COVID-19 response and recovery framework. Alongside other housing and social support providers, we play a critical role in supporting some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable individuals and whānau to stay connected during this difficult time. It is a priority for us to continue supporting our friends and provide our service to those who rely on us.

It is currently not a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend an Orange Sky shift and access our services. However, we encourage our community to follow the government health advice. During times of increased risks from COVID-19, some services may require volunteers to be vaccinated on shift.

If you’re currently experiencing homelessness, support is available. The Ministry Of Housing and Urban Development has pulled together a list of relevant resources.

The Ministry of Health’s website is the key place to go for information about precautions to take while on shift and at home. There is also a central portal for all information on COVID-19. Healthline has a dedicated COVID-19 number for the public to access – 0800 358 5453. It’s free to call and available 24/7.  

Another resource is Āwhina, which is an anonymous website that connects people in need with everything from housing, a meal, financial help, domestic violence support, counselling and more, with thousands of services around the country.

You can also visit Lifeline, who can provide information and advice about managing your mental health during the pandemic, or find a health professional for you to speak to.

After extensive consultation with our volunteer community, we have reviewed and updated our COVID-19 Risk Management Framework to consider how and when vaccinations may be required across each of our service locations. Due to the ongoing risks COVID-19 continues to present in our communities, Orange Sky may choose to prioritise volunteers that are up to date with their vaccinations during times of heightened risk of COVID-19 or as required by government guidelines.

As part of the Orange Sky volunteer onboarding process, you will need to declare if you are up to date with your vaccinations, however, you do not need to provide evidence of vaccination. If you would prefer not to disclose if you are up to date with your vaccinations, simply select ‘no’ when signing up to be an Orange Sky volunteer. Selecting no will not affect your application process, and will not affect your ability to volunteer with Orange Sky, except during times of heightened risk of COVID-19 or as required by government guidelines, where confirmed vaccinated volunteers could be prioritised.

Orange Sky has a responsibility to provide a safe shift environment for friends, volunteers and service provider partners. By understanding the rates of vaccination within our volunteer community, we can make informed decisions when reviewing risk management policies and processes; as well as being able to easily prioritise vaccinated volunteers on shift when required. By declaring if you are up to date with your vaccinations, you will be helping to keep our vans on the road, providing meaningful connection and services to our friends.

The information can also help our team identify shifts or regions that may be at risk of being non-operational if a vaccine mandate is implemented by the government, if not enough vaccinated volunteers are rostered.

Orange Sky volunteer leaders and Orange Sky HQ will be able to see your vaccination declaration response on your profile. However, your status will not affect your ability to volunteer with Orange Sky, except during times of heightened risk of COVID-19 or as required by government guidelines, volunteers who are up to date with their vaccinations could be prioritised.

Whilst it is currently not a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend an Orange Sky shift, it is strongly recommended and vaccinated volunteers may be prioritised on shift. However, if the government mandates vaccines for a specific region, or industry, then it may be a requirement and you will not be able to attend shift.

Service Leaders and Service Coordinators will see which volunteers have completed the optional COVID-19 Vaccination Declaration. Utilising this information, they will attempt to fill each shift by rostering volunteers who have confirmed their vaccination declaration in the first instance. Prioritising vaccinated volunteers ensures that we can support teams to deliver our service to friends in the safest possible environments.

If your vaccination declaration has changed since you signed up with Orange Sky, you can email us at volunteer@orangesky.org.nz with your details and we can update your vaccination status in Volaby. 

If you’re feeling unwell, please make sure you stay home and get tested. Please notify your Team Leader as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a shift.

Orange Sky offers a VESP program to all volunteers which provides a free and confidential mental health support service. The program is designed to help you overcome any issues impacting your mental wellbeing related to your time and experience volunteering with Orange Sky. The program allows volunteers to access up to three support sessions per year. You can book a free session via the Portal.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch via our contact us page or by phoning +64 9 887 0566 during business hours. 

Volunteer enquiries: volunteer@orangesky.org.nz