Two drivers who fled from police in the past week will be “held to account” for their risky behaviour, Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts says.

Police are now in the process of prosecuting two fleeing driver events, one of which happened at a traffic checkpoint by the police impairment prevention team (IPT).

This incident resulted in an arrest for obstruction and driving related offending. 

“Any incident on the road where driving behaviour is putting other people’s lives at risk is pretty concerning and the fact we’ve had two in the last 10 days is disappointing,” Fi said.

“It’s completely offensive that people think they can get away with that kind of stuff.”

The IPT conducted two traffic checkpoints in Wānaka with multiple breath tests completed. 

Fi said “speeding, distractions (cellphones) and licence breaches” have been a theme over the past week. 

A vehicle lost control at the corner of Aubrey and Anderson Roads and went through a fence after the driver failed to take the corner.

“EBA [excess breath/blood alcohol] procedures resulted in the driver being issued with an Infringement Offence Notice for excess breath alcohol,” Fi said.

‘Steady flow’ of family harm

Police in Wānaka are being kept busy with family harm incidents, Fi said, following an increase in reported cases.

One recent incident related to historic family harm matters including an alleged assault on a person in a family relationship.

“The alleged offender is being prosecuted, and a protection order has been issued by the court,” Fi said.

In a separate incident, a Wānaka man was charged with threatening to kill/grievous bodily harm. 

He refused police officers’ request to give blood (for driving offending) and was found to be in possession of an offensive weapon. 

“His offending has resulted in him being remanded in custody,” Fi said. 

“We are seeing a steady flow of family harm reporting across our area, ranging from verbal arguments to psychological and physical harm. 

“Police are holding offenders to account as a result of family harm investigations, subsequent charges being filed, and prosecutions initiated.”

Matariki plans 

There will be a police presence at the Wānaka Matariki event tomorrow (Friday June 28) afternoon.

Organisers Kahu Youth Trust are expecting 1,500 attendees at the event, Fi said. 

“We encourage everyone to have a good time and be safe.”

Fi reminded people that winter driving conditions are very changeable and drivers should watch their speed, drive to the conditions, and carry chains.

“Please drive to the conditions, even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is the single biggest determinant in whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed. A small change in speed makes a big difference to injury severity in a crash – for you and everyone else involved,” she said.

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.

Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Wānaka App