A 64-year-old local man (with charges already in place) was arrested on Thursday (January 30) for trespassing and driving while unlicensed.

He was granted bail but he failed to appear in Queenstown District Court following the incident. 

Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said the man, who was arrested on a warrant, is now facing an additional charge of threatening behaviour on an unrelated matter.

“Police have opposed bail,” she said. The man was due to appear in the Queenstown District Court yesterday (Tuesday February 4).

A 44-year-old male was arrested for three counts of wilful damage relating to an incident last Tuesday (January 28).

Police have been busy with road policing this summer.

There was a motor vehicle accident at the corner of Orchard Road and Riverbank Road on Sunday (February 2), where the driver appeared to have lost control and skidded into a bank, Fi said.

A 45-year-old male visitor was stopped driving in the Wānaka CBD and underwent excess breath/blood alcohol (EBA) procedures with a result of 674. He will appear in court.

“We are consistently seeing high speeds and driving complaints across our roading network,” Fi said, citing examples of 125/100 kph (January 31); 128/100 kph (February 2); and 131/100 (February 1). 

“The reported driving complaints include dangerous overtaking, inconsistent speeds, lane swerving.”

Fi warned people to be mindful of stock on roads. “We have had several calls to assist with traffic management to avoid an incident with stock wandering on roads.”

Also, school is now back, so people should take extra care around schools, she said. 

“Please slow down around our schools and expect the unexpected especially with sunstrike at this time of year.”

Otago Lakes Police are expecting an increase in international drivers through to February 9 as a result of Chinese New Year celebrations, the Burt Munro event, and Waitangi Day. 

“Police will have a strong focus on visiting drivers in the Southern area and will be supported by our road policing teams from Canterbury, Otago Lakes and Southland, with an aim of reducing road incidents and trauma between Mt Cook to Milford Sound,” Fi said.

Police are reminding people heading into the outdoors to ensure they’re prepared well, especially for water related activities. Basic precautions include wearing a lifejacket, checking the forecast, telling someone where you are going and when you will come back, and taking a form of waterproof communication and a registered personal locator beacon.

Find more information on outdoor safety here.

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