Bit harsh mate, more in this instance it is people like these guys that get off with a wet bus ticket. If I was in this position I could almost guarantee it would result in prison time.

You've done a great job of re-enforcing my point. 

I guess premeditation can be proved/disproved by when the plane tickets were booked.

wellygary:

 

Jeff said that he understood the public were outraged at the perception of a "rich white" couple "breaching" Covid-19 rules to go to a holiday home. "They're being stereotyped because of their place in life and that's completely unacceptable," he said.

 

That's truly laughable.  "Perception of" - LOL.

Because of their "place in life" they should have been fully aware of not just the legal consequences of their actions - but the social consequences.

As far as their careers go (or particularly her - the lawyer), every single person regardless of "place in life" faces potential lifelong consequences from criminal conviction, we've even normalised a requirement for job applicants to disclose their records.  "Thanks for your application but...".  So long as she doesn't get struck off or fired, then she's got the opportunity to rebuild.  If she does end up an ex-lawyer, then she's still not going to dumped in a halfway house with a probation officer helping her borrow clothes to front up for a job humping wool bales.

They get zero sympathy from me.  

And no "tall poppy" BS.  Because it's BS.

If you're caught dodging lockdown (or fleeing MIQ) it should be mandatory incarceration or an ankle bracelet; it's not much different from bailing on house arrest, other than the risk of spreading a deadly virus throughout the country - you've shown yourself to be of untrustworthy character and a flight risk. I would also expect a fine to at least match the cost incurred by the crown & police in handling the matter; so make them pay for their own incarceration etc.

It's reasonable to expect this to damage her career as she was a lawyer, even more so if she used her legal representation papers to cross the border; the law society will investigate that and deal with it should the matter require it. I see no reason justification for his career to be damaged as he's just a horse breeder, though the family company he works for may take a PR and patronage hit thanks to the negative publicity he's caused.

The more people that get a slap on the wrist for breaking the rules the more people are incentivized to break the rules. Just look at speeding through roadworks, potentially lethal consequences but the vast majority of drivers do so because it's rarely policed and many who do get caught just get a ticket. Enforcement is about both punishment and deterrence, but the deterrence is the more important goal.

All that said, anyone sending these idiots death threats really needs to go see a therapist. 

networkn:

 

I honestly hope that I never have the need of a jury, but if I do, I seriously hope most of you aren't anywhere near it.

 

Why... In this case we would all fail the  test for "knowledge or potential knowledge of the case or the accused"

..  and thus would be ineligible to sit on it..

Juries work because people come into them cold.... in this case pretty much everyone is already tainted....

@networkn:

 

Bit harsh mate, more in this instance it is people like these guys that get off with a wet bus ticket. If I was in this position I could almost guarantee it would result in prison time.

 

You've done a great job of re-enforcing my point. 

 

I think his comment was not that he would put a harsh sentence but that he would be sentenced.

freitasm:

 

I think his comment was not that he would put a harsh sentence but that he would be sentenced.

 

Re-reading it, you may be right about that.

If so, I apologise for my comment.

Having said that, how many people have been put in prison for lockdown breaches in NZ ?

It does seem you have to make very specific declaration for Auckland boarder travel.
Seems to indicate a high level of deliberation, and a Lawyer would be aware how serious this is. 
Its a high trust profession, so puts them in a bind, never mind what they said to Police at the border.

COVID-19: Business travel across Alert Level Boundaries
https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/business-travel-across-alert-level-boundaries/

""
What you need to apply:

The physical address of the location each worker will be travelling to and/or from so you can group employees according to where they work.
The travel category you are applying under along with a brief explanation about how your business operations fit within the category and why this travel is required.
The boundaries you or your workers might need to travel across (if there is more than one).
The type of travel your workers will need to do (see above for travel types).
The names of all the workers you are requesting documents for. Make sure you include your own details if you need to travel, as well as those of your workers.
""

kiwifidget:

 

I guess premeditation can be proved/disproved by when the plane tickets were booked.

 

... and whether they took their skis and snow clothing when they went to deliver hay.

Odd that none of you have mentioned the possibility that, if these two (plus anyone else in the family who may have been involved) get off unscathed, other privileged members of the 1.6m Team might be tempted to follow their example.

"It's only going to cost us $4,000, poppet. I made that before breakfast."

frankv:

 

kiwifidget:

 

I guess premeditation can be proved/disproved by when the plane tickets were booked.

 

 

... and whether they took their skis and snow clothing when they went to deliver hay.

 

 

 

Oh no, they'd have all their skis and snowboards a the holiday home and just be packing clothes I would say.

geekIT:

 

Odd that none of you have mentioned the possibility that, if these two (plus anyone else in the family who may have been involved) get off unscathed, other privileged members of the 1.6m Team might be tempted to follow their example.

 

"It's only going to cost us $4,000, poppet. I made that before breakfast."

 

They will be dealt with within the sentencing guidelines. If you have an issue with those, you need to write to your MP.

maoriboy:

 

Oh no, they'd have all their skis and snowboards a the holiday home and just be packing clothes I would say.

 

+this 

Its a bit hard to convince the Cops at the blockade you are doing legit essential business with boards/skis on the roof/in the car as you head across the border... 

Their mountain gear was either in Wanaka or they were going to rent it there...

Another case, hopefully they were not running from the gang pad.    Seems towns starting with W are popular.
Unlikely to be a QC employed to advise this person though.

Aucklander who fled level 4 lockdown to Whakatāne may face prosecution
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/126387316/covid19-aucklander-who-fled-level-4-lockdown-to-whakatne-may-face-prosecution

""
In response to questions, police media said the person in question spoke to staff at the border checkpoint and were allowed to continue their travel due to concerns for their safety.

The Beacon understands the person visited a number of retail premises and contacted the Whakatāne Work and Income office.
""

So you don't need to worry about all the form filling and just talk your way past the boarder ?