Once Level 2 is over, new Police powers go: PM Ardern

Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responded yesterday to ongoing criticism of Police enforcement legislation passed last week, saying the controversial bill will exist only to help enforce COVID-19 Alert Level 2. The NZ Government and Police passed a bill under urgency last Wednesday, granting Police sweeping powers to enforce Level 2 the night before it began.

The act, which was not supported by National, automatically expires in 90 days unless Parliament agrees to extend it.

The NZ Government and Police passed a bill under urgency last Wednesday, granting Police sweeping powers to enforce Level 2 the night before it began.

Attorney-General David Parker has since confirmed the act will now be reviewed by a select committee before it’s due to be renewed. Many New Zealanders have aired their concerns over the legislation, which gives authorities the power to enter a person’s home without a warrant. It aims to help police shut down large gatherings that should be no bigger than 10 people under Level 2.

The Human Rights Commission has said it was deeply concerned that the bill had been rushed, as was justice advocate and lawyer Julia Whaipooti, who has said she’s specifically concerned for Maori. TVNZ