Kia ora Wānaka.

Not too many sleeps now until Santa arrives. I hope everyone has made it on to his nice list and not the naughty list.

While mentioning the naughty list, it appears that the message about 'don’t drink and drive' is still not sinking in for some people. Six people were processed for drink driving in Wānaka over the past seven days.

These six people either received a fine or find themselves having to explain their actions to a judge at court.

A mention must also be made about the people who drink and drive, are stopped by police, breath tested and return a positive test for alcohol but don’t quite breach the limit. None of the above are acceptable behaviours. If you are heading out, arrange for a safer option to safely return you to your home. Please don’t drink and drive, we are out there and you will be caught. See you at our next checkpoint.

Wānaka Police attended several family harm incidents over the past week. The circumstances of each varied. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to family harm. Please remember how your actions can affect others. Christmas can be a tough time in many ways. If you are struggling or need to talk please remember there are a number of services on offer at the Wānaka Community Hub on McDougal Street.

With the changing of the COIVD-19 Protection Framework to the Traffic Light System, the majority of us are working together and doing a great job. However, there seems to be the odd person who still wants to push the boundaries. Please respect each other and comply with the orange light guidelines.

The Wānaka Police have been busy this week out on the streets. I’m sure many of you have seen us out and about. But, as above, many of you are not getting the message. Speeding – NO! Cellphones while Driving – NO! And Wearing your Seatbelt – YES! If you speed, use your cellphone or don’t wear your seatbelt, we will stop you and issue you an infringement notice.

Cyclists, you get a worthy mention too. If you do not wear a helmet or ride in the dark hours with no lights, you will also be stopped by police and receive an infringement notice. There are no excuses.

This week also presented a number of occurrences between known parties who have some type of falling out and then one or both parties go and threaten the other. Please refrain from getting on to your phone and ringing or sending an abusive/threatening message to someone due to the heat of the moment. This will only land in the hands of the police and end badly.

On a positive note, the holiday period is just around the corner. Please enjoy yourself and be safe. Make good decisions and choices. Look after each other. Keep Wānaka a safe and friendly community to live in and enjoy all that it offers.

Remember the local liquor ban - Christmas / New Year period - from 6am December 27, 2021 until 6am January 6, 2022.

Ka kite