Police checkpoints are set up across the country today, amidst reports of people flouting the rules and heading away for the long weekend

Turangi and Ohakune residents say outsiders are swarming into their communities.

Ohakune-based iwi Ngati Rangi is making a desperate plea for people to stay away.

Chair Whetu Moataane says with five cases of Covid-19 in Ohakune, locals are feeling uneasy.

He says the Government is doing a great job at providing clarity, but thinks the messaging needs to be stronger locally as people want to hear from their own council to be reassured.