24 September 2021
Connor Mil er
By email: [FYI request #16477 email]
Dear Connor,
Request for information – IR-01-21-25830
Thank you for your information request of 23 August 2021:
I would like to request information relating to the breach of lockdown by a
group of seven in Wanaka on the 22nd of August 2021.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the Official Information Act
1982 (OIA).
On Friday 20 August 2021, seven men from six separate bubbles were found jet
boating by a police officer who was patrol ing along the Makarora River north of
Lake Wānaka. One of the men had travel ed from Dunedin.
The men, aged 22 to 30, are due to appear in the Queenstown District Court on
September 13 facing one charge each of failing to comply with a COVID-19
order.
Further information about this incident is withheld in accordance with section 6(c)
of the OIA, as the release would be likely to prejudice the maintenance of law,
including the prevention, investigation, and detection of offences, and the right to
a fair trial.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision if you are not
satisfied with Police’s response to your request. You can find more information
here: http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint/complaining-
about-access-to-official-information-551307291224432.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Milne
Te Wai Pounamu Information Request Team
Service Delivery
New Zealand Police
Christchurch Police Station
40 Lichfield Street, Christchurch
Telephone: 03 363 7400 www.police.govt.nz