Too many drink-drivers leaving R&V

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Tairāwhiti Police have praised the thousands who attended the Rhythm and Vines music festival, but were frustrated at the number drink-driving on New Year’s Day morning as they left the district.

They were also unhappy about the number of people not wearing seat belts.

There were no arrests at the three-day festival and police got to mingle with the crowds in what they describe as a “positive, fun-filled atmosphere”.

“We ran several alcohol checkpoints across the region over the four days and it was pleasing that most were driving responsibly,” said Tairāwhiti area commander acting Inspector Danny Kirk.

“However, at the conclusion of the event on Monday morning we ran three significant checkpoints on roads leading from the festival and found far too many people driving while impaired.

“Over the course of several hours, thousands of drivers were breath-tested and 45 were found to be over the legal breath alcohol limit.

“That’s 45 people who shouldn’t be anywhere near the controls, operating a vehicle on the same roads we all drive,” acting-Insp Kirk said.

“No driver has the right to put other people’s lives at risk. Every person in and around your vehicle relies on you being in full control of it.

“There is no argument that can justify driving after a night on the beers,” he said.

“It was also disappointing to find a number of locals and out-of-towners driving around without seat belts.

“The effects of being catapulted through the windscreen in a crash are stomach-churning, and your excuse for not wearing a belt isn’t going to save your life.

“To the sheer majority of people who partied responsibly and made the weekend so enjoyable, we thank you.”

Acting-Insp Kirk said police will continue to have a visible presence on the roads and around the city and district.

“Wear your belt, drive sober, and expect to see us.”