Auckland Council warns Aucklanders to keep off closed facilities
Auckland Council is reminding Aucklanders that under Alert Level 4 restrictions they cannot use recreational facilities, including playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment, basketball courts, pump tracks and skateparks.
Mayor Phil Goff says, “A big thank you goes to most Aucklanders, who are taking the restrictions seriously and doing the right thing. However, it’s disappointing that some people are putting themselves and others at risk by flouting the rules.
“These recreational facilities are closed for everyone’s safety. Using them could result in COVID-19 spreading further in the community, which would risk lives and likely prolong the lockdown.
“Auckland Council’s Community Facilities teams have been taping off high-use play and exercise equipment and there are signs on all playgrounds, which is a big task with almost 900 playgrounds alone across the region. People who are breaking the rules and—worse still—removing tape and signs are letting their communities down.
“The spread of the delta variant of COVID-19 puts us all at risk. If we observe the rules and ensure that the lockdown works, we can stop COVID in its tracks and ensure we get back to normality more quickly. But all of us have to play our part in achieving that.”
More than 200 high-use playgrounds or items of exercise equipment have been taped off.
Waitākere ward Councillor Linda Cooper says there have also been reports of a large number of surfers across west coast beaches.
Aucklanders should not be swimming or surfing under Alert Level 4 restrictions.
“If you were to get into danger while out in the water, it would not only put the lives of our emergency responders at risk but would increase strain at a time when they’re already stretched thin.
“We all remember the surfer who was thrown onto the rocks at Mercer Bay during Alert Level 3 in February this year, resulting in significant injuries and needing to be rescued. This involved multiple rescue staff along with a helicopter, and put first responders at risk. We don’t want that happening again.”
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says overall Police have been encouraged to see how well people are behaving across the Auckland region, however there are a small number of people who are continuing to disregard the rules.
“It’s good to exercise, however you do need to physically distance from others, exercise only in your local area and it is recommended you wear a mask.
“Police would like to remind the public that enforcement action will be considered for those found to be intentionally breaching the current restrictions in place.
“This includes restrictions on activities which may require a search and rescue response, including fishing, tramping, swimming or boating.
“Taking part in these activities puts unnecessary risks on the person themselves as well as emergency service staff,” says Commissioner Coster.
Report a breach
If you spot someone breaching Alert Level 4 restrictions, please phone 105 to report it. Alternatively, visit police.govt.nz/105support
If tape or signage at your local playground has been damaged or removed, you can report it directly to Auckland Council online or phone Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 and log a request for service job.
Find out more about what you can and can’t do under Alert Level 4 on OurAuckland.