The Police Commissioner says no gangs have been manning Covid-19 checkpoints across the country.

There've been reports of iwi manning checkpoints with community and police approval - and claims gangs have been doing the same.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says Police have followed up on all checkpoints - but none involve gangs.

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan Police do not encourage any community checkpoints.

"Where communities did feel the need to set up a checkpoint, we have worked with them and our other partners to make sure the safe and legal use of the road is not prevented."

Police today said they understood that some small and isolated communities felt they had "particular vulnerability" to Covid-19 but clarified that police did not encourage community checkpoints.

"Police and other agencies remain responsible for ensuring that people comply with the restrictions under the different Covid-19 alert levels," a spokesperson said.

Where communities had already set up checkpoints, police were working with those communities and other agencies to ensure they were safe and not preventing lawful use of the road.

Working in partnership with the local authority, the local Civil Defence emergency manager, local iwi, community groups and police would assess whether checkpoints were needed or if there were other solutions.

If Covid-19 checkpoints for vulnerable communities are deemed necessary for the overall safety and wellbeing of a community, they:

• Will be operated by district police alongside community members

• Will be conducted in a safe manner, according to police operational guidelines and practices

• Will be guided by the relevant alert level status as set out in the Government's Covid-19 response

• Will not restrict access for people moving through for legitimate purpose