The Deputy Police Commissioner has expressed empathy for iwi whose hunting and fishing rights have been affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.
The country is more than two weeks into the nationwide lockdown which is aimed at stemming the spread of coronavirus, with a decision set to be made on April 20 on whether or not to extend it.
Being at alert level 4 means that all non-essential businesses must close and people are only allowed to leave their house for necessary tasks such as visiting the supermarket or doctor, or exercising locally.
Although there was initially confusion over what exactly is and isn't allowed during the lockdown, police have subsequently made it clear that recreational activities such as fishing or water sports are not allowed.
So far more than 600 people have been caught breaching the lockdown, and though the majority have been let off with a warning police said they would be prosecuting more than 80 of them.
In a recent meeting with various Government agencies and community groups, Te Whānau-ā-Āpanui iwi expressed frustration over the lockdown rules, saying they unfairly disadvantaged Māori who rely on fishing and hunting as a primary source of food, particularly if they lived far from the closest supermarket.
Deputy Police Commissioner Wallace (Wally) Haumaha said he understood how the iwi felt, but that the rules had to be followed.
"I completely understand their position and have some empathy for those who traditionally depend on kai from the ngahere, moana and awa," Haumaha said.
"However, the restrictions under alert level 4 are clear in that hunting and dangerous water activities are not advisable under the Health Act Notice."
Last month Te Whānau-ā-Āpanui said they had moved to "level 5" in the fight against COVID-19, closing borders around its land on the East Coast to stop all outsiders coming in.
For two months, only residents of the community would be allowed in, the iwi said.
