Crowds flocked to Wellington's Harbourside Market at the weekend, despite dire coronavirus warnings.

The head of a new Government coronavirus task-force says people should ring the police if they see people or venues obviously flouting rules around social distancing or self-isolation.

Outgoing Police Commissioner Mike Bush has been appointed to lead the new operational taskforce to fight the virus, which has now infected 66 in New Zealand.

The taskforce would take in all pillars of Government - not just police, with about 70 officials homed on Wellington's Lambton Quay at the Evidence Based Policing Centre.

MONIQUE FORD/STUFF Mike Bush wants Kiwis to ring the cops if they see anyone flouting new coronavirus rules.

But police were a crucial part of the response with increased patrols in high-risk areas for coronavirus infections, particularly if the the new "alert level" rose from level two upwards.

"Whatever settings are put in place, we will be there to enforce compliance," Bush told RNZ.

"If people aren't proscribing to what's being directed we will definitely be intervening...People need to listen to the advice that is given, listen to the rules that are laid now - it's all about saving people's lives."

This could include enforcing social distancing and keeping the peace at places like supermarkets.

Bush said that if the public saw people obviously flouting the rules they should ring the non-emergency 105 number, or if it was urgent call 111.

"We will respond. We will intervene. People need to comply to the directions that are given."

He told RNZ that the Covid-19 response was now the police's top priority.

"This is unprecedented in New Zealand. We have to change our policing approach. This is obviously our top priority to keep New Zealanders well, safe, and the country sustainable."

A police spokesperson said Bush would set up the necessary command centres and structures with chief executives of other agencies to assign key roles and responsibilities.

Enforcing self-isolation presents health and safety challenges for officers, but police assured Stuff that officers assigned to these duties would have adequate protection.

Police last week began spot checks on people supposed to be self-isolating.

"Where appropriate, our staff will use personal protective equipment such as face masks and gloves," a police spokeswoman said.

"In addition to this, staff are also following Ministry of Health guidelines in regard to physical distance and good hygiene practices."

New Zealand's Health Act gives police powers to compel, enforce or ensure compliance with a medical officer of health's requirements, such as self-isolation, police added.