Police warn Kiwis not to break level 3 rules this weekend

Police will be increasing their presence to ensure the rules are complied with.
Police will be increasing their presence to ensure the rules are complied with. Photo credit: Getty

Police are urging New Zealanders to "protect the gains we have made" and stick to the rules of alert level 3 over the weekend after they shut down over 1000 parties last weekend.

Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers said they wanted to remind Kiwis New Zealand is still at alert level 3 until at least next Monday and everyone needs to stick to the rules.

"The vast majority of New Zealanders understand and practise all the appropriate behaviours for keeping ourselves and our communities safe from COVID-19 under alert level 3," Chambers said.

"Those who do not adhere to expectations are letting us all down and it is a risk we cannot afford to take. We must protect the gains we have made to date."

Last Friday and Saturday afternoon police had reports of 685 mass gatherings despite them being banned under level 3 as they increase the chance of spreading coronavirus.

"Last weekend, we received a number of reports of mass gatherings, which is disappointing," he said. 

"We are hoping for a more responsible approach from everyone this weekend, in line with expectations at alert level 3."

The Police will be implementing checkpoints nationwide and conducting "reassurance visits" to ensure people comply.

Under level 2 New Zealanders will be able to have much more freedom with shops and restaurants opening, domestic travel allowed and schools reopening.

During Thursday's announcement, Ardern said the prospect of entering level 2 has been "made possible only by our collective actions at levels 4 and 3 to beat the virus and break the chain of transmission".

But parties won't be able to resume under level two, only small, controlled gatherings will be permitted.

However, Kiwis will be able to celebrate weddings, funerals and birthdays which will be restricted to 100 guests.