Questions about one of the new fines for Covid-19 rule breakers

Infringement fees for individuals are going up from 300 dollars to a maximum of four thousand dollars.

The change will take effect in November - subject to the passing of the Covid-19 Public Health Response Amendment Bill.

Wellington barrister Graeme Edgeler says this particular change seems excessive.

He says an infringement fee - which is essentially a parking ticket - of four thousand dollars, is at the top end of any infringement fee we have.

The Government says the higher penalties better reflect the seriousness of any behaviour that threatens New Zealand's response to the virus.