What Alert Level 3 means for Spark suppliers

Essentially there is no material difference in our ways of working with suppliers between Alert Levels 3 and 4.

At Alert Level 3 all Spark buildings remain completely locked down, which means access cards won’t work. This effects exchange buildings, data centres, retail stores and all our office buildings. It’s essential that we know who is in our buildings, so we’re asking everyone who needs to gain access to a site to request permission by calling the Spark SOC team (0800 10 30 60 and select Option 3). 

Please ensure that you clearly set out why you are needing to access the building to assist with the approval process. Spark SOC will assist you with gaining exemption approval or with a follow up email when required. If you’re reading this and are inside a Spark building right now, we recommend you do this now to reactivate your card immediately.  

For those working onsite at one of our EDC's (Emergency Distribution Sites), your access will continue to work for the rest of the day. We will then make sure that anyone who is scheduled to work at an EDC has access provided for the days they will be onsite, though it will not be set up as permanent access.  

Essential works border crossing 

The Government has outlined a protocol that is in place for essential workers who need to cross Alert Level boundaries to work at a permitted business, to get tested before they travel.

All employees of workers who need to cross Alert Level boundaries for work must have a process in place to allow these employees to be tested for COVID-19. This includes allowing their workers to undergo testing, medical examination, or both during their work hours. All workers crossing the Alert Level boundary must carry evidence that they have had a COVID-19 test. Workers also must still carry evidence of their reason to cross the Alert Level boundary. 

Spark’s requirement is that suppliers are expected to resource within the local area but if there is no alternative and border crossing is required, Spark exemption needs to be sought before entering any of our network sites before the border crossing takes place. 

If this applies to you, we ask that you apply for this request by using the link provided here and we will review this request in line with strict Government guidelines. If Spark approves this request, you will also need to gain separate approval from MBIE. 

Further information regarding Government protocol for border crossings and advice regarding testing locations can be accessed here:  Business travel across an Alert Level boundary | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

What doesn’t change at Alert Level 3 is the continued close monitoring and support that we provide to anyone who works at one of our own locations or any of our customer sites. The safety of our people is our main focus and we have excellent COVID-19 precautions and protocols in place so our people can deliver priority services.