Over the past week Central Otago Police have responded to numerous calls for service in relation to family harm and road policing.

Police continue to work alongside our partner agencies to reduce the harm caused by both.

Driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone at risk – not just the driver, but passengers, other road users and pedestrians. With warmer weather on the way there can be more traffic on the roads and more events to attend. Central Otago Police are reminding drivers that they can be stopped anywhere, at any time.

If you are planning on drinking, arrange a sober driver, taxi, or rideshare. Be responsible and make the right decision to keep our communities safe.

Over the weekend multiple drivers were breath tested across the area, with the assistance of the IPT from Queenstown.

Several drivers recorded infringement range EBAs (excess breath alcohol), along with numerous infringement notices issued for driver licence breaches, drivers using cell phones, seatbelts not being worn, and exceeding posted speed limits.

On Sunday (September 7) Omakau Police stopped a 21-year-old Queenstown male on State Highway 85, Ranfurly, travelling in his vehicle at 156 km/ph. His driver’s licence was suspended for 28 days along with his motor vehicle being impounded for 28 days, and he was summoned to appear in the Alexandra District Court for Dangerous Speed.

On Saturday (September 6) Alexandra Police responded to a three-vehicle collision near the Clyde Lookout, where the offending driver failed to give-way and collided with oncoming traffic. Two of the drivers were kept overnight at Dunstan Hospital for their injuries and observation. The offending driver was summoned to appear in the Alexandra District Court for Careless Driving Causing Injury.

On Thursday (September 11) Omakau Police stopped a 20-year-old Omakau male for driving while his driver’s licence was suspended. 

The vehicle he was driving was impounded for 28 days and he was summoned to appear in the Alexandra District Court on October 9.

Also on Thursday Cromwell Police stopped a 28-year-old Tapanui male on the Luggate-Cromwell Road and a check of his driver’s licence showed he was disqualified from driving. He was arrested, his vehicle was impounded for 28 days, and he was summoned to appear in the Alexandra District court on November 13.

On the same day Cromwell Police stopped a 32-year-old Mount Pisa male on the Luggate-Cromwell Road for excess speed. He also underwent EBA procedures and returned an infringement range EBA result, and his driver’s licence was suspended for 12 hours and received infringement notice for excess speed.

On Tuesday (September 9) Alexandra, Cromwell, and Wānaka Police executed two warrants simultaneously in Alexandra and Wānaka in relation to a serious assault which occurred in Cromwell in July 2025. 

As a result of this, a 44-year-old Alexandra male was arrested and charged with Injuries with Intent to Injure and Burglary and released on police bail to appear in the Alexandra District Court.