Police out in force for Easter weekend
Sunshine and clear skies has got Taranaki’s Easter weekend off to a promising start but police have warned they will be out in force to stop people breaking the lockdown rules.
Surfing, swimming, hunting and other similar outdoor activities have all been banned.
A police media spokesperson said checkpoints would be deployed at a number of locations throughout Taranaki to make sure people were not breaking the lockdown rules to try and have a ‘‘normal’’ Easter.
‘‘Our primary focus will be on reminding people if you don’t have to travel, then please don’t,’’ she said. ‘‘For operational reasons we cannot confirm where the checkpoints will be.’’
On Wednesday newly appointed police commissioner Andrew Coster said travelling to and from different towns, including to the family bach for a break, was risky and not permitted.
‘‘We know many New Zealanders may have been planning to catch up with friends and family this weekend, or travel to traditional holiday destinations but we urge anyone who was planning to do this – please change your plans and stay home,’’ he said.
Following on from a sunny Good Friday, today’s weather is forecast to be much the same, before an active front starts to make things a little less pleasant from tomorrow.
‘‘It’s looking like towards late Sunday the front will start touching on the North Island,’’ a MetService spokesperson said.
Heavy rain, strong winds and thundery showers are expected to take hold of Taranaki on Sunday night and Monday, before easing off and bringing a cold and cloudy Tuesday.
‘‘Later towards next week it might start to get a little bit nicer,’’ she said, but it wouldn’t be as warm and sunny as yesterday and today.