Covid-19: Lockdown confusion north of Auckland as Kaipara mayor calls for clarity from Government

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Hi Kaipara neighbours,

Read this story by reporter Lucy Xia about confusion over the lockdown boundaries in Kaipara:

Kaipara mayor Jason Smith is urging residents of Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Oneriri to follow alert level 3 restrictions, despite saying the government is yet to confirm whether those areas fall within the level 3 boundary.

Smith said the Kaipara district has not been given clear guidelines by the government and it’s causing confusion over whether the community is part of the Auckland lockdown or not.

Auckland has entered level three until Wednesday night after three new community Covid-19 cases. The rest of the country is at level 2.

Roadblocks will be placed along Auckland's borders preventing all but essential travel in and out of the region in alert level 3.

Roadblocks will be placed along Auckland's borders preventing all but essential travel in and out of the region in alert level 3.

Smith said he was informed by local police around 8pm last night of roadblocks north of Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Oneriri, which means these regions should be under alert level 3.

Smith said they have requested clarification from the Ministry of Health and are still waiting for an answer.

The mayor said he is “extremely concerned” for the residents of these districts which make up half of Kaipara’s population.

Smith said in the meanwhile he is urging locals to remain at alert level 3, while the Kaipara District Council has closed its office for the day with staff working from home.

“I know the government has many priorities, but they need to be clear about changes of the alert level borders

“It could be handled better...so people could be aware in advance,” he said.

The Ministry of Health has been approached for comment.