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Auckland police say they are disappointed with hundreds of people gathering in the CBD to protest the coronavirus alert level three lockdown.
The group of 500 met in Aotea Square, before walking down Queen St to Britomart on Saturday.
Most of the protesters did not wear masks or adhere to social distancing rules.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Around 500 people who attended the protest will not be punished for ignoring Covid-19 level three restrictions.
But no penalties will be imposed as police are taking an educational approach, Acting Inspector Chris Scott said.
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Inspector Scott said the police were aware of the protest plans, but took an “educational approach” with those attending and organizing the protest.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
The protest was made up of a mix of Covid-19 and anti-vaccine deniers.
“The police recognize the legal right of individuals to protest, however we also recognize the need for individuals to adhere to current level three restrictions to do their part to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
He added that it was “imperative” for people to adhere to the restrictions, which will be in effect until Auckland transitions to Covid-19 Alert Level 2 at 11:59 PM on Sunday.
Advance NZ co-leader Jami-Lee Ross attended the “march for freedom” and said it was an important cause.
“These are true New Zealanders who defend our rights, defend freedom [and] democracy, ”he said.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Auckland residents in other parts of the region generally observed social distancing requirements, including on Mission Bay beach.
Meanwhile, many Auckland residents were basking in the sun in the region’s parks and beaches, but most seemed to be following the rules.
On Friday, police issued a warning for people to “stick to your bubble and keep it small” this weekend, urging people not to become complacent in the days before restrictions were eased.
“We know it is tempting to go out on the weekends, but every day counts to help control the spread of the virus,” he said.
Police said officers would conduct high-visibility patrols in places like supermarkets, pharmacies and beaches.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
On the last weekend of the Level 3 Covd-19 restrictions in Auckland, a lot of people were out and about, but most were observing the social distancing requirements, including in Cornwall Park.
Checkpoints that prevent everyone except people traveling for essential purposes in and out of the region from remaining in place in north and south Auckland.
As of 4 p.m. Friday, 247,024 vehicles had passed through the 13 checkpoints, with 10,230 vehicles flipped over.
