"There is some really clear messages in there for the public about driving safely that the police were focused on," he said.
"These are high risk offences because they do have the most impact on reducing serious injuries."
A large police presence was obvious across the Auckland central region throughout the day and late into the night.
Cars were stopped at busy intersections in both residential and commercial areas of the city.
Mr James said some road safety messages were not getting across.
"It's quite shocking when you think that distraction while using a cell phone while driving can have serious injury consequences for the driver and other road users.
"When you think of just that one high risk offence by motorists, [it] shows clearly that people aren't understanding the risk that poses."
The campaign also had a surprising outcome: There were fewer other crimes reported during the day.
"The District Command Centre reported that there was a significant drop in property crime offending over the same period which is a really pleasing result," said Mr James.
"It shows that it's not just on the roads, but [police] made people's homes and workplaces safe for the day as well."
Drink-drive checkpoints last night stopped six people over the legal breath-alcohol limit, and there was also "a lot" in the new lower alcohol limit, he said.
Last month, the adult limit dropped from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath, to 250mcg and from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.08), to 50mg (0.05).
Drivers who commit an offence between 251-400mcg of breath now face an infringement penalty of $200 and receive 50 demerit points.
Auckland central district stretches between Herne Bay and Freemans Bay to the north, St Heliers to the east, Onehunga to the south and Avondale to the west and includes Waiheke and Great Barrier islands.
The blitz was not directly related to New Zealand's tragic holiday road toll - 17 people died between Christmas Eve and January 5 - but was part of a wider road safety strategy.
