Adults come to blows in playground vigilantism
Parents are reportedly coming to blows and vigilantism as playgrounds close around New Zealand.
Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch and Hutt City councils have closed all their playgrounds.
Stuff understands police were called to a scuffle between parents at a Naenae, Lower Hutt playground yesterday.
It is thought that one parent took exception to another letting children use play equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.
Police confirmed they were called to a report of three adults arguing near a playground on Seddon St, Naenae, just after 10am.
‘‘Police spoke to the two men involved but were unable to locate the woman,’’ a police statement said. ‘‘There’s no mention of any children and it’s not clear what the argument was about.’’
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry confirmed that all council playgrounds in his city were closing. Staff were installing signs and would consider other measures if people continued to use them during the lockdown.
‘‘If there are any concerns around the actions of others, contact us.’’
Wellington City councillor Jill Day, with the play spaces portfolio, said there had been some disagreement about whether playgrounds should be shut but, given the number of surfaces to touch and opportunities to spread the virus, it was prudent to close them.
Council staff were yesterday installing signs to tell people all council playgrounds were closed.
But Day believed they may need to go further – such as putting signs on actual play equipment – as people could easily ignore the signs.
Having a more-visible ban would also make it easier for parents to stop children going on play equipment.
Katrina Casey, from the Ministry of Education, said government closure advice included playgrounds or other places where people congregated.
‘‘All school playgrounds are closed. There are currently students at school who are children of essential workers,’’ she said.
‘‘They can access playgrounds as they are at school but we have asked principals to ensure signage goes up to reinforce to the public that school playgrounds are closed.’’
Auckland Council community facilities head of operations Julie Pickering said parks remained open for people to get exercise and fresh air, as long as they followed the Government’s guidelines around social distancing and isolation.
‘‘If there are any concerns around the actions of others, contact us.’’
Campbell Barry Lower Hutt mayor