Kia ora Wānaka.

Here are this week’s doings from our community.

You may have seen a small boat that had run a shore in front of Edgewater early last week. The crew aboard picked one of the most wintery days so far this year in Wānaka to make their annual BBQ trip to Ruby Island.

Upon setting off for home, they ran aground, getting stuck on a sand bar (maybe) and all aboard were unable to push or pull the vessel free. This caused the police and partner agency – the Harbour Master to assist.

Police have been busy patrolling and keeping our roads safe. Unfortunately, Wānaka, the message is still not sinking in. Seatbelts are designed to save your life. They are not an ornament designed to hang and not be used.

Cellphones: c’mon Wānaka! Put it down and concentrate, they are a distraction.

It’s all too common to see drivers holding their cellphone up in front of their eyes or above the steering wheel and not concentrating.

Speed! Wānaka is not a racetrack. Take it easy team! Slow it down and read the signs that tell you what the speed limit is. It's ok, you’ll make it to where you need to get to.

It wouldn’t be a Crimeline if we didn’t talk about drinking and driving. At least six drivers were processed for excess breath or blood alcohol over the past week. One driver was observed by police rolling through a stop sign and when eye contact was made the driver held up a wine glass and cheersed the police. They are now off to Court.

Alcohol fuelled behaviour is on the increase in Wānaka, particularly on a Friday or Saturday night.

A male was arrested for headbutting another patron inside a bar. An altercation inside the Night and Day caused damage to food and drink items as well as display items. If you can’t handle your alcohol then don’t drink. One simple mistake can cost you your job or something as precious as a firearms licence.

Police receive daily traffic complaints about motorists not complying with the road rules. Please be a prudent road user and get from A to B as safely as possible. High calls for service are Cardrona Valley Road, Crown Range, Wānaka – Luggate Highway and Hāwea – Albert Town Road. Yes, a lot of these traffic complaints are about our friends who are visiting our outstanding habitat, but quite a few relate to those who reside within.

Fireworks were set off inside Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) school grounds in the wee hours. A group were witnessed running off and police enquiries are continuing.

The annual Hāwea Polar Plunge was held. Great to see all those keen plungers. Police attended to support those involved. However, from all reports, it was a bit cold for the attending police officer to get his kit off and partake.

There was overwhelming support for him from all present, but maybe next year.

Wānaka Police have been busy identifying and apprehending several shoplifters over the past week. These bandits will now be off to Court and held accountable for their actions. As a consequence, these outlaws will no longer be able to shop or visit the location they offended.

Let’s look after each other Wānaka.

Keep up the good work and we’ll see you out there.

Haere ra!