Nga mihi nui, greetings to all.

Here is the weekly round up of what’s been happening in your community.

There were many roadside checkpoints over the week in random spots around Wānaka. A number of you were over the limit and either received an infringement notice or are off to court to explain your actions to a judge.

There is no excuse for drinking and driving. We will be out there at any time and in any place. Please look after each other, our community and make good decisions and plan ahead.

Also detected at these checkpoints or other traffic stops were a number of youth driving in breach of their driver licence conditions. Please refresh yourself or your child’s understanding of the conditions of their driver’s licence.

A number of infringement notices were also issued for cell phone use, no seatbelt and not stopping at stop signs.

A timely reminder to businesses to be vigilant coming up to Christmas. Unfortunately, theft from shops – shop lifting, is on the rise at this time of the year.

Police received a number of traffic complaints about motorists out and about on our roads. Please drive in your lane, be prudent and drive to the conditions, if traffic is building up behind you, please be courteous, pull over and allow other motorists past.

This leads on to a number of vehicle crashes in the Wānaka area during the week. Most of these crashes were avoidable by following the road rules. As you are aware the volume of vehicles in Wānaka and surrounding area has increased. Please be patient and drive to the conditions.

Tragically one of these crashes resulted in a fatality on the Crown Range Road south of Cardrona involving a Wānaka resident. The investigation is ongoing but it is a sad reminder of the dangers of that stretch of road.

Police were called to a number of incidents involving threats and violence at a local campground throughout the week. Unfortunately, stupidity reigned supreme and now some camp goers find themselves banned from the camp site and having to visit court and explain their actions to a judge.

A motorcyclist decided they would rather flee from police than receive a speeding ticket. Unfortunately for the motorcyclist their decision to flee came to a crashing end after travelling at ludicrous speed. He has a date with the judge. 

If you witnessed this event on Ballantyne Road on Friday afternoon, please contact Wānaka Police.

A friendly reminder to all of our cyclists here in Wānaka and our friends visiting that you must wear a cycle helmet while riding your bike. Hanging your helmet from the handlebars doesn’t cut the mustard. If you are spotted not wearing your helmet, you can expect a $55 infringement notice. Wearing a cycle helmet has been mandatory since January 1, 1994.

Keep up the good work Wānaka.

Ka kite anō