By Scarlett Richards
Police issued hundreds of infringement notices on Saturday night in multiple crackdowns.
Operations Kereru, Cartel and Vendico were launched in Wellington, Canterbury and the Bay of Plenty on Saturday night.
These operations focused on disrupting anti-social road users who gathered for skids or racing.
Police intercepted these groups before they could get started, setting up several checkpoints to deter the drivers.
In Wellington alone, 138 infringement notices were issued on Saturday night.
The Police Eagle helicopter supported officers in the Kereru operation and successfully found 300 vehicles throughout the night including a stolen Subaru.
Five vehicles were seized, three impounded and 11 were either green or pink-stickered.
Police breathalysed 420 people, and two drivers blew over the limit.
"These events are dangerous and will not be tolerated," said Wellington district commander Nick Thom.
"Our commitment to ensuring our communities are safe is what motivates us, and we will continue to take measures necessary to avoid unnecessary death and injury."
Operation Cartel in Canterbury issued 171 infringement notices.
Thirty-three cars were pink or green-stickered and seven people were arrested for disorderly behaviour.
Four failed breathalyser tests and one licence was suspended. Nine cars were impounded or seized for safety reasons and failing to pay fines.
"District staff worked hard over the weekend to curb any illegal behaviour and keep our communities safe," said Canterbury district commander Superintendent Lane Todd.
"The community can expect we will continue to be out there, disrupting this behaviour. It will not be tolerated," said Supt Todd.
Operation Vendico in the Bay of Plenty was equally as successful with
163 infringement notices issued. Three people were arrested, four vehicles were impounded and 14 cars green-stickered.
One license was suspended with seven drivers failing breathalyser tests.
"Rotorua is full of tourists and locals enjoying Matariki weekend and the last thing we want is this kind of activity making people feel unsafe, and not want to return to our corner of the world," said Inspector Phil Gillbanks.
"Police were out in force to deter those attending and taking enforcement action where necessary, and I think the results speak for themselves.
"It is clear we do not want antisocial road users here, and we will continue to act until that message sinks in," said Insp Gillbanks.
Police urge anyone who sees this road activity to report it by calling 111 if it is happening now, or make a report after through the 105 service.
