The Government is set to pass legislation under urgency today, giving extraordinary powers to itself and police to combat Covid-19.
The law gives the Health Minister the power to issue orders which can be backed up with fines or imprisonment.
Those orders will be enforced by Police, who will be allowed to enter premises without a warrant - for example to shut down illegal gatherings.
The Law Society and the Human Rights Commission are concerned the Bill is being rushed through without enough scrutiny.
The Attorney-General, David Parker told Māni Dunlop these increased powers are necessary, and there are checks and balances in place.
