August 25, 2021
Iwi left out of police road checks
The Ngāti Whātua Rūnanga is upset police have reinstated checkpoints into Northland without involving them.
Chief executive Anthony Thompson says the iwi has built up a good relationship with local road police during previous lockdowns, and he believes the decision came from higher up the chain of command.
He says the iwi has a lot to contribute – and it is capable of observing all necessary health and safety protocols.
"We currently run vaccination centres and testing centres for COVID-19. We have got the right processes and protocols in place, We have to because that is our primary function through our service provision kaupapa," Mr Thompson says.
Anthony Thompson says Aucklanders heading for their holiday baches during lockdowns puts real stress on the limited services in Taitokerau, and already locals have had to rescue several out of district vehicles caught on the beach on the west coast around the Waipoua Forest.
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