An eastern Bay of Plenty iwi will enforce 24-hour manned closure of its borders to all outsiders, in an effort to protect its vulnerable community from Covid-19

In a post on the Te Whanau-a-Apanui Facebook page last night, iwi leader Rawiri Waititi announced no one outside of the about 1000 residents would be allowed to enter the territory from midnight March 25 for two months.

Waititi says campers including campervan drivers, tourists, outside fishermen, cyclists and holiday makers would all be barred from passing the territory borders until at least May 25 - when the restrictions would be reassessed.

He says they have had to take proactive measures to protect their most vulnerable, their iwi and their elderly

Waititi says no one from outside is allowed within their iwi borders until the rahui has been lifted.