COVID-19: Police pleased with 'extremely high' level of compliance at Northland checkpoints

Five days since the Auckland border was reopened, police say they are very pleased with the "extremely high" level of compliance shown by people travelling through the Northland checkpoints. 

Police alongside local iwi and Te Tai Tokerau border control are ensuring people travelling into the region have evidence of being fully vaccinated or can provide a negative COVID-19 test result in the past 72 hours.

Police said that only a small number of vehicles have been turned around since the Auckland border opened.

"We want to thank locals and those travelling outside the region for their cooperation, patience and compliance with the restrictions in place under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system)," police said. 

"We want to thank those travelling into Northland for doing the right thing and having the required evidence for travel with them and we encourage everyone to keep up the good work over summer."

From Monday, checkpoints on State Highway 1 and 12 will be removed with police completing regular roving patrols across Northland.

Superintendent Tony Hill said the Northland community can expect to see an increased police presence with a focus on the most at-risk communities and popular tourist hotspots to make sure people are following the rules.

"We want to reassure our communities right across Northland that police have plans in place to monitor ongoing compliance of those travelling into Northland," Hill said.

"It's important that we support our most at-risk communities and help keep them safe by monitoring ongoing compliance around the region."

Police warned that motorists in Northland can expect to be stopped at any time and may be asked to provide their proof of address.

Police said that anyone travelling from Auckland may be asked to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID-19 test result in the past 72 hours.

Anyone that is found to have travelled into Northland from Auckland without adhering to these restrictions could face a fine.