In Auckland, there have been concerns that some communities have not been properly tested following Covid level restrictions, and spreading false information online.
The Health Minister, Chris Hipkins, and Auckland mayor, Phil Goff, have both indicated authorities could look at introducing punishments for people disseminating lies.
But would it work?
Te Aniwa Hurihanganui spoke with Auckland University criminologist, Associate Professor Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni.
