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Three men from Auckland were arrested on Thursday in Ohakune after travelling to Turoa Ski Field.

Staff at the Ski Field were under suspicion that the three men used fake documentation to be granted a ski pass.

On Wednesday, they'd travelled to Ohakune using an essential pass to get through a checkpoint South of Auckland — returned to Auckland on the evening of Thursday after being bailed to appear in Auckland District Court on September 23.

Two aged 23 and one 18 have been charged with failing to comply with Covid-19 directions/restrictions/prohibitions and using a document for pecuniary advantage.

Inspector Nigel Allan, Police area commander for Whanganui/Ruapehu, says the three men's behaviour was unacceptable from the perspective of iwi, community and Police.

“We want to remind everyone that the restrictions in place are there to help keep everyone safe and reduce any spread of Covid-19 in the community,” he said.

“As shown by the actions taken where people choose to deliberately breach the restriction in place, Police will take enforcement action.”

Police, Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB), Ruapehu District Council and iwi have been working closely to ensure the community is safe from the risk of exposure to the virus if people have intentions to flout the rules.

If people start to have any cold, flu or Covid-related symptoms, they should call their GP or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to get advice and a test.

Image: 123rf

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