Kia ora Wānaka as Nga Pirihimana O Aotearoa join in with Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori.

Wānaka police have dealt with a wide range of incidents this week.

On Rāhina we started our week with a young tane who was feeling the heat from police and handed himself in for a warrant to arrest. He was also wanted for a theft from a bar in Wānaka. He enjoyed his majesty’s taxi to court.

A local resident had their driver’s licence suspended for the second time, resulting from excess demerit points. Here’s hoping for good biking weather coming soon.

On Rātū police executed a search warrant in relation to supply of illicit drugs, and it will result in court appearances in the near future. On the same day so much heat was put on another local with a warrant to arrest that he made his own way to Queenstown court to avoid a ride with us.

Rāapa saw a report of a Trademe scam where thousands of dollars were spent on an item, sight unseen, which did not arrive. It is buyer beware out there on the internet. Be very sceptical and if in doubt, don’t hand over any money.

Later that day another biker was christened as we suspended another driver for excess demerit points, and police investigated reports of burnouts in the Hāwea Flat area.

On Rāpare police attended a crash at the much dreaded intersection of SH6 and SH84. Fortunately, no serious injuries, but an intersection to be extra cautious at. We look forward to the future plans of a roundabout at that intersection.

Back at the station we were handed a large package received in the mail containing a significant quantity of non-prescription drugs. Someone will miss this package, but I’m going to place a large bet that they don’t come in and claim it. We’re open 0900-1700 if you’d like your package.

Unfortunately, we attended another crash that night, which on this case did involve a significant injury to a passenger. Frustratingly, alcohol was a contributing factor to this crash.

Police engaged with the Deerstalkers Association this week to clarify legislation changes, especially regarding the security of firearms. A great opportunity to share experience and make sure all licence holders are on the same page. If you have any questions, feel free to come and talk to us at the station.

His majesty’s waka was called in to action on Rāmere again when another man was arrested for family related offences and given a ride to spend time in Queenstown court.

The weekend sadly saw a return to the old trend of driving complaints, especially in Cardrona Valley. Whether you’re from Melbourne, Shanghai, or Hāwea, you must keep left of the centreline. Police had a steady stream of poor driving reported through the weekend and with some animated gestures, we managed to get the message across to all.

There was a fair bit of intoxication in town over the weekend with Stars In Your Eyes and the Jossi Wells party. Disappointingly the weekend ended with a drink driver, who was caught for the fourth time.

Kia noho haumaru - Stay safe out there.