Wanaka residents have taken to social media to express concern (Friday March 20) over travellers in town believed to be breaching the government’s instructions to self isolate for 14 days after arriving in New Zealand.

Residents cited examples of people they believed to be breaching the self-isolation requirements, and some said they had reported those they believed to be flouting the rules.

Immigration New Zealand did not answer the Wanaka App’s question about how many complaints had been made about breaches in the Wanaka area.

These reports follow news of a Jucy van of tourists, who had arrived on an international flight the same day, visiting the Wanaka iSite on Wednesday. 

The Otago Daily Times reported that iSite staff had consequently begun asking visitors making bookings to validate and verify when they arrived, and whether they were compliant with the self-isolation laws.

“All visa holders are required to comply with Ministry of Health instructions, including the instruction to self-isolate,” a Ministry of Health spokesperson told the Wanaka App.

“Travellers who wilfully fail to comply with the Health Act risk being made liable under the Immigration Act.”

For concerns about an individual who isn’t self-isolating when they should be, people are asked to contact Immigration NZ on 0508 225 288.

Additionally, a dedicated email address ([email protected]) has been established for the public to report breaches of self-isolation protocol to the Ministry of Health. The email allows the public access to multi-agency assistance and advice from health, police and immigration services, where required, during the COVID-19 outbreak.

People making a complaint about someone not self-isolating, whether by phone or email, should provide as much information as possible, such as where the person has travelled from, and where they are staying.

People are asked to use the email channel judiciously, the spokesperson said.