Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Fisherman caught fishing on rocks at Muriwai

The man fishing on rocks at Muriwai this morning not only during lockdown but without a lifejacket and in a large swell. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A man caught fishing on rocks in a large swell during lockdown at Muriwai Beach was heard telling police, "well I'll just go somewhere else then".

A Herald photographer spotted the man at Muriwai Beach about 11am today.

He was the only person there and despite at risk of being washed away by the large waves which were crashing against the rocks at the time, he appeared to be indifferent to the country's lockdown and his own safety.

When he appeared to be asked to leave the area, the photographer heard the fisherman respond, "well I'll just go somewhere else then".

"The police called him over, it was pretty dangerous, and the first thing he said was 'well I'll go somewhere else then'.

"He was pretty arrogant."

However, he appeared to slowly change his tune once police persisted and called him over and back up to where his vehicle was parked.

Senior Sergeant Roger Small, Waitematā rural response manager, said they spoke with two men about fishing at Muriwai today.

A witness at the scene heard the fisherman say that he would just go somewhere else after being asked by police to stop fishing and go home. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The first man, who was from Kumeu, was spotted fishing off the rocks without wearing a lifejacket.

He was spoken to about the danger posed by fishing off the rocks and how it puts emergency services at risk.

He was educated around water safety and reminded of the rules under alert level 4 and was formally warned.

A second male was also spotted with fishing equipment, having travelled from Mt Wellington.

Police engaged with the male who indicated he did not intend to follow the rules under alert level 4.

The man was subsequently issued with an infringement notice.

Police want to remind the public enforcement action will be considered for those found to be intentionally breaching the current restrictions in place.

Under the country's alert level 4 lockdown, Kiwis are required to stay at home.

As of 5pm on Saturday, 23 people had been charged by police with 27 offences relating to breaching Covid-19 level 4 rules, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said yesterday.

A total of 65 people have been issued formal warnings.

Police had also been notified via 105 online about 4487 alleged breaches: 2550 were about a gathering, 1542 were about a business, and 395 were about a person.

Police had a chat with the man once he was out of harm's reach and off the rocks. Photo / Brett Phibbs

"In addition to the 105 online breach reports, a total of 3611 Covid-19 related calls were made to the 105 phone line."

Coster said police had a low tolerance for people deliberately breaking the rules.