Police updates on crimes and investigations for the evening of 10 October 2022.
UPDATE – Incident on SH1, Wellington
The incident on State Highway 1 that disrupted traffic into Wellington this morning has been resolved without further issue.
Three people have been taken into custody and charges are being considered.
The southbound lane that was temporarily closed has now re-opened to traffic.
Police thank motorists for their patience while the incident was resolved safely.
Recognition of the four fatalities following crashes over the weekend
Bay of Plenty Police are very concerned about the four fatalities that occurred over the weekend in the district.
Road Policing Manager Inspector Brent Crowe says “any death on our roads is an absolute tragedy, let alone multiple fatalities, over such a short period of time”.
“Police are now working hard to understand why these crashes occurred and our focus is on supporting the families and providing them with answers.
“Such a sudden loss of life is extremely hard for families to come to terms with and is life changing, knowing a loved one is gone.
“The impact is also keenly felt by the emergency services who attend.”
Police urge all drivers to drive with care.
Every time someone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they have a responsibility to themselves and other road users to drive safely, free from impairment, securely restrained and completely focused on the task at hand.
“In large part the answer to reducing trauma on our roads rests with those behind the wheel.”
Name release – Fatal crash, Gisborne
Police can now name the woman who died following a crash in Awapuni on Friday 7 October.
She was Margaret Ohuka, 63, of Matawhero, Gisborne.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing and Victim Support is working closely with the family.
27 drivers found driving with excess breath alcohol over weekend
27 drivers across Wellington and Wairarapa were found by Police to be driving with excess breath alcohol over the weekend.
The drivers were among more than 3,000 stopped and breath-tested at police checkpoints between Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
While 27 may seem like a small proportion of those stopped, it is incredibly concerning to be locating even one driver with excess breath alcohol.
‘We know that driving while impaired – whether by alcohol, drugs or fatigue – is one of the four main behaviours which contribute to death and injury on our roads. Alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in about a third of all fatal crashes,’ said Senior Sergeant Matt Fitzgerald, Acting Road Policing Manager, Wellington District.
‘Police’s advice to anyone who is in any doubt about whether they’re safe or legal to drive after drinking is simple – don’t do it.
‘People who drive while impaired by alcohol are putting themselves and their passengers at risk, as well as everyone else on the road.
‘So please, plan ahead if you’re going to be drinking, and make sure you have arranged a safe way to get home afterward – whether that is organising a sober driver, getting picked up, or catching a taxi or Uber.
‘Motorists in Wellington and Wairarapa can expect to see a continued police presence on roads across the region as we head into the summer months.’
