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Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult. “The whole of New Zealand is going through a lot of pain and...
Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult. “The whole of New Zealand is going through a lot of pain and heartache, and this is wasted if a few idiots show utter disdain and put people in danger." Photo: ODT files
Some Queenstowners have been slammed for flouting lockdown rules, with the mayor saying the actions of "a few idiots" are putting people in danger.


Police and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult are critical of those who failed to stay home during the first days of a government ordered lockdown period of at least four weeks to try and stop the spread of coronavirus.

Otago Lakes Area Commander Inspector Olaf Jensen said police were disappointed with the number of people out and about in the resort today.

''It was a sunny day in the town and people were out congregating in public areas and generally socialising,'' he said.

''Police spoke with those who were out and about and provided education and information on what the Alert Level 4 restrictions involve.''

Mr Boult said there were a number of reports of people going outside and continuing to partake in leisure activities – such as playing disc golf or football – in the district.

''Not only is this flouting the rules, but it is putting themselves and others in danger.''

It was extremely important to follow the rules, he said.

“The rule is clear: while you can go for a walk or bike ride in your neighbourhood, you must not otherwise go out unless absolutely necessary.

"Doing so means you are breaking the law and putting people in danger. We’re all in this together and we all have to do our part.”

As several reports involved groups of young people gathering in public, parents were encouraged to make sure their children aren’t going outside unnecessarily, he said.

“The whole of New Zealand is going through a lot of pain and heartache, and this is wasted if a few idiots show utter disdain and put people in danger. Their attitude is completely unacceptable.

“We are a strong community and, now more than ever, must work together for the common good.”

Anyone concerned about others who were not self-isolating should encourage them to comply, Mr Boult said.

''If they don’t, call (police on) 105.''

Comments

It's pretty ironic a politician would have the gumption to call someone an idiot. That said, the government only today clarified and defined limits for being outside. First order of business should have been to educate the people not humiliate them. People are being asked to sacrifice their most import right, freedom. You expect people to be patient with you how about a little patience in return. A pretty heavy handed, poorly throughout and idiotic response in my opinion. It's going to be a long 4 weeks so relax a little bit mate.

Maybe I'm wrong here BUT had the politicians closed the borders sooner MAYBE we wouldn't be in this mess. I would tend to agree, politicians are in no position to ever call anybody an idiot given some of the things they say and do. I don't know all the details concerning what transpired, maybe the people playing frisbee were from the same household? Whatever, hardly appropriate for somebody like the mayor to label them idiots! Somone needs to tell the mayor to relax! The crisis is going to get a lot worse before things change. Maybe around week 3 it would be appropriate to label somebody an idiot but not on day2. TV 1 had a segment on the news last night concerning the rules for social distancing during exercise. Maybe direct you anger at them for implying it was OK for the frisbee player to be out. Leaders lead by example, Boult set a very poor example!

I find it amazing, given Boults leadership while director of Stonewood Homes, that idiot was still in his vocabulary? Who elects these people to office? I feel sorry for Queenstown, its going to be a very long 4 weeks under Boult.

 

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