Te Ao Maori / Covid 19

Covid-19: Shane Jones on suggestion to block off Northland tourist spots

06:44 am on 1 December 2021

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A Northland iwi is floating a plan to block off popular tourist destinations this summer.

Bay of Islands iwi Te Tii Waitangi ki Te Pēwhairangi has told authorities they intend to re-establish a border south of Ōpua when the Auckland border lifts in two weeks' time.

The border would stretch down to the Russell Ferry and Puketona - cutting off visitor access to Ōpua, Waitangi, Russell, and Paihia.

Former New Zealand First MP Shane Jones, a Northland resident, says it's a stunt that would pander to anti-vaxxers at the expense of those trying to keep their jobs.

He spoke to Susie Ferguson.