Thumbs up from police for visitors and locals

Former Senior Sergeant Daniel Kirk (left) has been made an acting Inspector and takes over the role of area commander for Tairāwhiti police. He was pictured at R&V yesterday with Eastern Region commander Superintendent Jeanette Park and operations manager Inspector Dean Clifford. Picture supplied

Police have been rapt with the performance of drivers, both local and visitors, when it comes to drink-driving so far this New Year/Christmas period.

Tairāwhiti area police commander, acting Inspector Daniel Kirk, said the drink-drive rate had not been out of the ordinary to date.

“We’ve so far experienced nothing unusual.

“The number of drink-drivers being tested and caught is consistent with what we would normally experience at this time of year.”

Acting Insp Kirk said he was particularly impressed with the results from testing at the comfort stop set up in the Waioeka Gorge on Thursday.

“We tested 1400 drivers for alcohol and we got no positive readings, which is fantastic.

“That really was a credit to road users travelling to Gisborne that day.”

He was also impressed with the behaviour of festival-goers at the first night of R&V on Thursday, when approximately 17,500 people went on to the Waiohika Estate site.

“Their behaviour and sentiment were excellent. Everyone was in good spirits.”

There were no arrests that night.

“Overall, it’s been pleasing to see the local community and visitors alike behaving themselves when it comes to alcohol and we hope that continues,” acting Insp Kirk said.

“So far, family harm  has been consistent with what we traditionally experience over the festive season, so no better, no worse.

“We have seen a spike in thefts from vehicles and unlawful taking of vehicles in the past week to 10 days, and it’s across the city.

“People need to be vigilant, particularly in the lower Stout Street and Ormond Road area, and parts of Te Hapara and Elgin.

“This is a timely reminder to people to take care of their vehicle security, particularly during hot weather — make sure your car doors and windows are secure.”

• Acting Inspector Kirk has been promoted to the role of Tairāwhiti area commander, after the departure of former area commander Inspector Sam Aberahama, who is on six months leave.