Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police are aware of a planned hīkoi intending to travel from Rotorua to Northland early on Wednesday.
We are strongly advising those who intend to take part in this that any travel across the Auckland boundary that is not specifically permitted by the Health order requires an exemption.
Police have been planning around this hīkoi and we are monitoring the situation. As a result, there will be an increased Policing presence at the Auckland boundary.
Those who are found to be deliberately breaching alert level restrictions can expect to face enforcement action. Anyone found to have unlawfully crossed the Auckland boundary may also face difficulties in returning to their place of residence given the restrictions in place.
Police have been also liaising closely with our Iwi partners in Tāmaki Makaurau and Northland on this matter.
These boundaries are in place to help stop the spread of Covid-19 given the increased risk that the Delta variant poses to our communities.
Police and Iwi are coming to this kaupapa from the same place and we remind those intending on taking part in this hīkoi that crossing the boundary cannot happen until such time as Covid-19 restrictions allow for this.
As part of our planning, Police are advising members of the public not involved in the hīkoi who may be undertaking permitted travel late this evening to delay this if at all possible.
There are likely to be road closures put in place in the event that those involved in this hīkoi attempt to unlawfully cross the Auckland boundary.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
