Northland state highway roadblocks
Grant Carroll made this Official Information request to Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health did not have the information requested.
From: Grant Carroll
Dear Ministry of Health,
Last Wednesday, 25th March, online news media and television news bulletins reported roadblocks being set up by former MP Hone Harawira and supporters at two sites on state highways in Northland to block tourists entering the Far North to protect locals from the spread of caronavirus. Testing for Covid-19 was said to be being carried out at these checkpoints by a group which consisted of a local medical student who "trained a few of the frontline crew" who were described as being in white suits and red caps and speaking to motorists to check returning locals for fevers.
Pursuant to the Official Information Act 1982 I would like to ask if it is lawful for a medical student to test passing motorists at a checkpoint in this way and if it is under what legislation or New Zealand law is this permitted? If it was not lawful what action is being taken by the Ministry of Health against this medical student?
I confirm that I am a New Zealand citizen resident in New Zealand.
Thanks for your help with this.
Yours faithfully,
Grant Carroll.
Ministry of Health
Kia ora
Thank you for your request for official information.
The Ministry's reference number for your request is: H202001782.
As required under the Act we will endeavour to respond to your request no
later than 30 April 2020, being 20 working days after the day your request
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Ngā mihi
OIA Services
Government Services
Office of the Director-General
Ministry of Health
E: [email address]
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Ministry of Health
Kia ora Grant
Please find attached a letter regarding your request for official
information.
Ngā mihi
OIA Services
Government Services
Office of the Director-General
Ministry of Health
E: [email address]
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