As Police Commissioner Mike Bush called for an end to those flouting the rules of the Covid-19 lockdown — including freedom campers — the Dunedin City Council is still fielding reports of the campers in the city.
Three arrests had been made over persistent breaches of the rules, and if people were not complying with the Government’s rules, the police’s lenient approach could be revisited, Mr Bush said.
He took aim also at tourists who thought it was all right to continue to "drive around the country".
"Stay absolutely put. Stay in place," he said. "Stay where you are — that’s the rules."
Readers from near Ocean View Reserve sent photos to the Otago Daily Times at the weekend, stating the site was used every day.
And council parks and recreation group manager Robert West confirmed yesterday the council was still monitoring freedom camping across the city each evening.
"We have had some feedback about a small number of freedom campers still in the city [there were three vehicles over the weekend]," he said in an emailed response.
"We have followed up with each one of them."
People continuing to camp during the lockdown were asked to call the council to discuss alternative accommodation.