COVID-19 Update

Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) from YWAM Furnace New Zealand

Last updated: Thursday, 4 June, 2020 [12:30PM NZDT]

Kia ora from New Zealand,

As a leadership team we have been monitoring the continued outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) on a daily basis, we deeply desire to respond in faith while also recognising the impact this virus is having globally.

As of 11:59pm on Wednesday, 14 May, we moved down into Level 2 of New Zealand’s four-level COVID-19 alert system. The majority of businesses and schools were allowed to reopen after a strict 7-week lockdown, with certain restrictions and physical distancing. On Friday, 29 May, social gathering sizes were increased from 10 to 100 people. 

Currently there is a border closure to all travellers except New Zealand citizens and residents. No other foreign traveler can enter New Zealand, and all returning citizens and residents must isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

The YWAM Furnace NZ team members who remain in country are adhering to these requirements. As of Tuesday, 2 June are now gathering as a team in person. There will be information posted when certain gatherings are open to the public. The health, safety, and well-being of our team remains our highest priority at all times.

As YWAM Furnace New Zealand, we are committed to:

• Taking the precautionary measures to keep all our homes and facilities clean and safe for all team members and residents
• Providing pastoral support and care for team members who are in the current nationwide quarantine
• Following the guidelines and requirements of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the New Zealand Government
• Timely and relevant communication with all our team members, residents, and applicants about important changes and updates related to COVID-19

This is a dynamic and rapidly changing situation, we are having to adapt and respond to this situation often. Please see the below updates as things stand today. We will provide further updates as necessary.

• April 2020 Bible School For the Nations has been postponed until April 2021.
• June 2020 Discipleship Training School, One Thing Internship, and Leaders Internship have been postponed. Current DTS and OTI applicants can transfer to the September 2020 or 2021 intakes.
• Intro to One Thing, a 4-week online course, will be available starting 22 June
• September 2020 This is now our Jubilee Quarter, starting on the 28th September (originally 21 Sept). We will know closer to the time if border restrictions are lifted to allow students from overseas. 

We invite you to join us in prayer for the healing of those affected, wisdom for global leaders, and supernatural peace for those experiencing fear.

If you have any questions please feel free to email information@yfnz.org.

Sincerely,
Josh Cole
Core Leadership Team
YWAM Furnace NZ
Tauranga, New Zealand

For current status of COVID-19 in New Zealand, see Ministry of Health:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

For latest travel restrictions, see New Zealand Immigration:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/coronavirus-update-inz-response