Barriers at public car parks in many of Taranaki’s recreational areas are being removed as part of Alert Level 3, but police will monitor them to ensure that people aren’t congregating.
Barriers will remain at the entrances to National Parks, but all others are being taken away today.
“This is a review of previous restrictions in light of feedback and for people to park safely when they travel to these places. The best way to achieve this is to have car parks available for use,” says Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Craig Campbell-Smart.
“It is vital however that people stay 2m away from anyone who isn’t in their household bubble. There should be no gatherings in these car parks and the police will increase patrols to keep an eye on these areas to make sure everyone’s doing their bit to prevent transmission of COVID-19.”
When travelling to a recreation area, drive as short a distance as you can.
“Travel to your nearest park or beach, not your favourite one,” says Campbell-Smart.
Boat ramps will remain closed as there are restrictions on boating, and freedom camping is still banned.
If there are gatherings or non-compliance from businesses, members of the public are advised to contact the 10-5 police number or fill out a form online.
Under Alert Level 3:
- You can do low-risk recreation activities in your local area, for example to go for a walk or a run.
- You can go for a swim at the beach, a day walk, or fishing from a wharf.
- You can hunt on private land, but not on public conservation land. You need to stay within your region and stick to your bubble. Overnight trips are not allowed. You may only hunt on foot — using quad bikes, off-road bikes, helicopters and other motorised vehicles is not allowed.
- Boating, yachting and any team sports or training are not allowed.
More details about activities during Alert Level 3 are available here: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3/(external link)
ENDS
The most up to date information on COVID-19 is on www.covid19.govt.nz(external link).
For all Ministry of Health updates visit www.health.govt.nz/covid-19(external link) and for Taranaki DHB updates visit www.tdhb.org.nz(external link).
For the latest Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management updates, visit our website www.cdemtaranaki.govt.nz(external link) and Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Facebook page(external link)
For information on the public health measures in place under Alert Level 4, visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/government-actions/covid-19-alert-level/(external link)
Authorised by: Craig Campbell-Smart, CDEM Group Controller
Contact information
Media enquiries: Public Information Manager, 0800 900 049
Email pim@cdemtaranaki.govt.nz