Fury over ‘packed’ lockdown party

AUCKLAND: Footage of a large party on Auckland's North Shore has infuriated people doing it tough in lockdown.

Auckland is in Alert Level 3, which means no indoor gatherings — but footage on social media yesterday showed a large number of people apparently disregarding this rule at a private party in Takapuna on Saturday.

Police have confirmed receiving multiple reports about videos of the gathering.

The videos on Instagram, some of which have since been deleted, are believed to show an Auckland apartment packed with young adults drinking, dancing and kissing as the captions acknowledged how ‘‘packed’’ the party was.

The posts have been screen recorded and reposted widely, leaving people furious at the lack of distancing.

was told the party was in Takapuna and carried on until well after 4am yesterday.

‘‘These people are reckless and are only thinking of themselves. Not thinking of their parents or grandparents,’’ one person said on Facebook.

Twitter users were equally furious.

‘‘What a slap in the face to everyone doing their part, and those just trying to get home. I hate people.’’ one post said.

A police spokesman said multiple reports had been received through the nonemergency line but he would not confirm if they were being investigated.

‘‘At this stage it appears they are in the ‘reporting' phase of the process — as they are only just coming in to us . . . which is why I suggested . . . Check in with us in the coming days and we can see if we can provide an update.’’

It is alleged one of the partygoers used an essential worker exemption to travel from outside of Auckland. — The New