Warning over level 3 breaches
Warm temperatures on the first weekend under alert level 3 saw thousands flock to Christchurch’s beaches, hills and parks.
Yesterday, two people required helicopter rescues in Canterbury, on Saturday night police were called to break up a fight in Sockburn, and Friday night saw police alerted to 685 parties nationwide, including one involving gang members in St Martins.
Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield yesterday warned that breaches of alert level 3 could risk a delay to level 2.
As temperatures reached a high of 24 degrees Celsius yesterday, many thousands headed to Sumner, with footpaths, cycleways and roads thronged at the seaside suburb.
Some had to turn back, unable to find a parking space, while police patrolled the beach, asking those who were not exercising to return home.
The Port Hills tracks and Summit Rd were also busy with families walking, biking and enjoying the views over the city and Lyttelton Harbour.
However, a helicopter had to rescue an angler from an island on the Waimakariri River after he was trapped by rising waters. He has been charged with breaching health regulations and will appear in the Christchurch District Court.
In a separate incident, a helicopter was called to rescue someone injured at Peraki, on Banks Peninsula, about 9.30am yesterday.
It saw Canterbury police issue a reminder that any outdoor activity should be low-risk while level 3 restrictions were in place.
Senior Sergeant Paul Robertson said commonsense was needed regarding outdoor recreation.
‘‘We need people to stay local and apply common sense.
‘‘As these two instances clearly demonstrate, if you don’t do that you could risk injury or require search and rescue services.’’
Last night, police said it was too soon to collate arrest numbers from the weekend but said there had been five warnings, 34 prosecutions and three youth referrals in Canterbury since the start of Alert Level 3 on April 28.
These were either breaches of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act or the Health Act.
As people enjoyed the newfound freedoms available under level 3, finance minister Grant Robertson issued a stark warning to anyone considering a breach of the rules.
On Friday he told people ‘‘don’t be an idiot, stick to your bubble and everyone will be better off’’.
However, eight people were arrested after reports of a house party in Kowhai Tce, Christchurch, at about 8.15pm on Friday.
When officers arrived they found a party in progress, which is a breach of level 3 restrictions if those involved are not in the same bubble.
Eight people – men and women – were arrested for obstructing a medical officer of health and spent the night in custody. They were released on bail on Saturday morning.
Those arrested were patched members and associates of the Mongrel Mob.
On Saturday night, police were also called to a residential property in Sockburn where a group of people were fighting.
Police said, one person had minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
Acting assistant commissioner Scott Fraser reiterated that parties are not to be held, after police received 1200
complaints since level 3 began.
‘‘Under no circumstances should anyone be having a party under alert level 3 restrictions,’’ he said.
‘‘Holding a party in the current environment is in breach of the Health Act and where appropriate enforcement action will be taken, this could be against the part hosts and the attendees.’’
Level 3 restricts gatherings of more than 10 people and that includes weddings, funerals and tangi.
However, a tangi held in North Canterbury on Saturday attracted around 100 people.
Mourners gathered at Tuahiwi Urupa¯, to pay their respects to popular marae speaker Jimmy Brennan who died on March 29 and his wha¯nau had his body embalmed during the level 4 lockdown.
They decided to proceed with a limited tangi after the country moved into level 3.
Health Director General Dr Ashley Bloomfield said New Zealand needed to remain vigilant against the spread of Covid-19.
‘‘As I said last week, we all have a part to play,’’ he said yesterday. ‘‘It’s crucial that all New Zealanders follow the guidelines of physical distancing, keeping to our bubbles, practicing good hand hygiene and if you’re unwell, staying away from others and seeking medical advice.’’
‘‘It’s been concerning to see some behaviours continue into the weekend and ultimately, this could slow a move to Level 2.’’