Police responded to anti-lockdown protests involving small groups outside government and local council buildings around the country this morning, resulting in 19 arrests for failing to comply with Alert Level 4 restrictions. 

No protestors broke Alert Level restrictions in Central Otago. 

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says the protestors were spoken to by Police at each location and all have now dispersed. 

“While these protests were small, the actions of those involved are very disappointing,” he says. 

“While protest is a normal feature of a well-functioning democracy, Police have a low tolerance for anyone who deliberately ignores the restrictions in the current situation.

“Today’s arrests reflect that.

“The alert level is in place to protect us all and we need everyone to do their part.”

In Northland, two people were arrested – one each outside the Kaikohe and Whangārei council buildings.

The Whangārei protestor was subsequently released and issued with an infringement notice.

In Auckland, four people were arrested at a small protest outside Government House in Epsom. Two infringement notices were also issued.

Waikato Police arrested three people for failing to comply with the Health Order after responding to a group of protestors gathered in Civic Square, Hamilton. 

Six people were arrested by Bay of Plenty Police following a gathering outside the Tauranga City Council building. 

Another small gathering was reported in Taupo, with one arrest made.

Central District Police responded to small groups of protestors outside council buildings in New Plymouth, Whanganui and Manawatū.

Two people were arrested at the Whanganui protest.

A demonstration also took place outside the council building in Nelson. Police engaged with protestors and no arrests were made.

In Christchurch, one person was arrested following a protest also outside a council building.

Compliance update: 

Since Alert Level 4 came into place, 118 people have been charged with a total of 126 offences nationwide. 

Of the charges filed, 84 are for Failing to Comply with Order (COVID-19), 28 for Failure to Comply with Direction/Prohibition/Restriction, 11 for Health Act Breaches and 3 for Assaults/Threatens/Hinders/Obstructs Enforcement Officer.

In the same time period, 341 formal warnings were issued to 338 people - 126 for Failing to Comply with Order (COVID-19), 119 for Failure to Comply with Direction/Prohibition/Restriction, 95 for Health Act Breaches and 1 for Assaults/Threatens/Hinders/Obstructs Enforcement Officer.

Police have received a total of 13,531 online breach notifications. 8,367 were about a gathering, 3,865 were about a business, and 1,299 were about an individual. 

In addition to the Online Breach Reports, a total of 8,399 COVID-19 related calls were made to the 105-phone line.

The majority (6,005) of calls were requests for information, and 2,394 were to report perceived COVID-19 breaches.

From 19 August 2021, Police began issuing infringements for COVID-19 related breaches.

As at 5pm on 30 August, Police have issued 2,483 infringements nationwide.

In the Southern District, of which Central Otago is considered.

Police have received a total of 853 105-online breach notifications in relation to Southern District. 590 were about a gathering; 163 were about a business; and 100 were about a person.

As at 5pm on 30 August 2021, 17 people have been charged and 28 warnings have been issued in Southland District.

Of these prosecutions and warnings, 11 were for Health Act breaches; 10 were for Failure to Comply with Direction/Prohibition/Restriction; and 24 were for Failing to Comply with Order (Covid-19). 

Police have issued 143 infringements in Southern District. 138 were for Failing to Remain at Home/Residence (other than for essential personal movement); two were for Failing to Comply with Applicable Physical Distancing Rules; one was for Failing to Wear a Face Covering on Premises; and two were for failing to close a premises as required.

Police breakdown of offences:

• Person failed to remain at current home / residence – 2,291

• Person failed to wear a face covering on premises – 49

• Person failed to comply with applicable physical distancing rule – 68

• Obstruct/Hinder Medical Officer of Health or Person Assisting Med Officer/Failing to Comply with Order (COVID-19) – 37

• Person failed to wear a face covering on public transport – 6

• Person in control of premises failed to close as required – 7

• Person in control of workplace failed to display QR code – 15

• Person organised a gathering in an outdoor place – 10

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