A police officer patrolling along the Makarora River on Friday (August 20) morning found seven men from six separate ‘bubbles’ jet boating.

One of the men had travelled from Dunedin and police said enforcement action will be taken against the men.

In a statement police said their staff are out and about around the country conducting reassurance checks, and people can expect to be questioned about their movements.

“We know from previous experience that New Zealanders, by and large, comply with the restrictions, and we know that following the guidelines does work but we do need compliance,” police commissioner Andrew Coster said.

Since alert level four came into place, police have carried out 2,964 “reassurance checks” at essential facilities (petrol stations, pharmacies, supermarkets).

Over that same period, 4,015 prevention and reassurance patrols were completed, along with 2,214 business checks in relation to the pandemic response.

Police have received a total of 4,487 105-online breach notifications. Three hundred and 95 were about a person, 2,550 were about a gathering, and 1,542 were about a business.

From August 19, police began issuing infringements for Covid-19 related breaches.

“We have all seen what happens overseas when people ignore the rules, and it’s imperative that everyone stays home,” Andrew said.