By RNZ
A long-serving Taupō District councillor has admitted drink-driving.
Anna Park appeared in the Auckland District Court on Friday afternoon, after failing a compulsory breath test on the Control Gate Bridge in Taupō in November.
In a statement sent by her lawyer, Park said she takes full responsibility for her lapse in judgment.
“I am deeply sorry for the disappointment and hurt my actions have caused to my family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community,” she said.
“I am committed to learning from this mistake and earning back the trust I have lost.”
Park said she did not seek name suppression because she believes in being fully accountable and taking responsibility for her actions.
However, she said she sought to protect her family from undue public attention by having the case heard out of town.
Park was first elected to the Taupō District Council in 2010.
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Two in critical condition and one in serious condition were taken to various hospitals.