As we head into the weekend, Police are reminding New Zealanders that we remain at Alert Level 4 and non-essential travel or activity is not permitted.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says there are no borders in place and people should remain at their primary place of residence.

“For the safety of our communities it is absolutely vital that everyone continues to adhere to the restrictions in place,” Andrew says. 

He warned any outdoor activity which puts people at risk of injury or need of rescue are off-limits.

“That means exercise should be in your neighbourhood only and any recreational activity that could lead to a rescue or emergency response is not permitted,” he says. 

“That includes, but is not limited to, activities such as surfing, snowboarding, tramping, fishing and whitebaiting.

“Should you run into trouble with weather or injury and require help, you immediately put others in danger.

“Don’t be the person who sparks an emergency call out, when you shouldn't be out in the first place. 

“Police will be taking an education-first approach to the restrictions, however, quick and decisive enforcement action will be taken where necessary for the safety of everyone.

“The majority of New Zealanders continue to do the right thing, avoiding non-essential travel and keeping themselves and their whanau safe by staying at home.”

Since the beginning of Alert Level 4, 12 people have been charged in relation to breaching COVID-19 restrictions, the majority of those relating to protest activity. There have been two prosecutions in Northland, five in Auckland City, two in Bay of Plenty and three in Canterbury.

Police have also issued 20 formal warnings to people in breach of the rules.  

Between midnight on 17 August and 5pm yesterday (19 August), Police have received 1,869 Online Breach Notifications.

607 of those reports are from Tamaki Makaurau. Of those reports, 984 were about a gathering, 742 about a business and 143 about an individual.

Police remain out and about in our communities conducting reassurance visits and compliance checks.

In Tamaki Makaurau today Police have been carrying out random pop-up checkpoints to ensure compliance with restrictions.

“The public will continue to see a visible Police presence in the Rodney area between Auckland and Northland, with officers actively stopping vehicles to ensure motorists have a legitimate reason for movement through the region.

“We expect high volumes of traffic to continue around testing centres across Auckland and we ask everyone to remain patient if travelling to these locations.”

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