Road checkpoints in the East Coast and Northland set up by iwi to stop non-residents from entering into their regions are now in place.

Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers

No tourists or non-residents will be allowed into the regions for the lockdown period which starts at 11:59pm tonight, for a minimum of four weeks.

Te Whānau a Apanui would only be letting courier, medical, council and food supplies in from Pōtikirua and Te Taumata o Apanui.

Police and local hapū representatives would be at each checkpoint, advising non-residents to leave, while giving residents information about how to keep their whānau safe.

If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre

In Te Tai Tokerau, karakia took place at the checkpoints at Waipapa at State Highway 10, and Mangataiora at State Highway 1 this morning.

There will be health checks for people returning home but people with symptoms of the virus are advised to stay away.