Three people were arrested in Christchurch today after police were called to an anti-lockdown protest, and two people were arrested in the Far North for refusing to wear masks.
File photo: Police arrested five people today for breaching Covid restrictions Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Police said in a statement they were called at about 1pm to an anti-lockdown protest on the Bridge of Remembrance on Cashel Street, where 10 people had gathered.
Those gathered were encouraged to comply with lockdown restrictions, but three were taken into custody after they refused.
They were two men, aged 46 and 50, and a woman, aged 56. They have been charged with failing to comply with a direction and are expected to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow morning.
The protest followed a similar gathering yesterday at the same place.
Meanwhile, a 44-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested in Far North after refusing to wear masks while at Pak N Save Kaitaia about 12.30pm.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said they were acting in a disorderly manner toward supermarket staff and other members of the public, and the woman was "reportedly behaving in a threatening manner".
They face charges of disorderly behaviour and breaching the Public Health Response Act.
"While the actions of these five people are disappointing, police continue to see a high level of compliance from New Zealanders under alert level 4," Coster said.
"We all know what's expected of us by now and that it takes a collective effort to stop Covid-19 in its tracks.
"Our communities are largely respecting the requirement to wear a face covering at essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies, and police will remain out and about conducting compliance checks and reassurance patrols."
Police wanted to remind the public that while they would take an education-first approach, enforcement action would be taken when necessary.
They also urged motorists to take care on the roads and avoid unnecessary travel.