Holiday hotspots around the country will be on high alert this weekend for people coming to spend Easter at their holiday homes, despite the government and police saying it's against the lockdown rules.
Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui. Photo: 123rf.com
Police say they will be out in force this weekend to prevent people from trying to travel to holiday hotspots.
The government and Ministry of Health have sent a clear message; this weekend needs to be a staycation.
Usually in the days leading up to Easter people in Nelson are either heading down the Sounds, across to the bay or up to the lake, Mayor of Nelson Rachel Reese said.
"Not this year, we're staying put, we're staying at home," she said.
See all RNZ coverage of Covid-19
"Easter's my time, I go down the Sounds and catch fish, but this year, absolutely no."
She said the message has gone out loud and clear to the community.
"Stay where you are. Just because it's Easter doesn't mean the rules of alert level 4 have changed," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this week.
- If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre
In Tauranga, Mayor Tenby Powell says he takes his hat off to his community for adhering to the rules.
But those that are thinking of taking off for the weekend need to think again.
"The police will most definitely be out and issuing tickets to those who do not have permission."