Wellington Police say it was a typically busy night in the Capital but no great problems from the thousands of people enjoying themselves in bars or the Courtenay Place precinct.
The Courtenay Place road closures went in at 7pm and last until tomorrow to create a pedestrian only entertainment precinct. Police say the crowd swelled markedly from the time of the closure but people were very friendly and officers experienced no problems.
Several arrests were made around 3am for drunken type behaviour, including one Lions supporter for urinating from the first floor of Shooters bar in Courtenay Place. He was held for breach of the peace, and has now been released without any charges. Apart from that the Lions supporters were in good heart.
Twenty six arrests were made overnight, mainly for disorderly behaviour, assault, five for breaching the liquor ban, drugs, offensive behaviour, obstruction or were picked up by police on warrants to arrest.
However, police including the serious crash investigation team, has spent the night examining the scene of a fatal crash on the northbound lanes of the Northern Motorway between Johnsonville and Churton Park.
A man, dressed in dark clothing, was hit at 1.45am while walking north along the motorway. The man died at the scene. His name has not yet been released.
Police have talked with drivers at the scene but are appealing for other people to contact the Wellington CIB if they saw the crash or had seen the man walking on the motorway.
Both north and southbound lanes of the motorway have been closed since the crash to enable a full scene examination to be made. Traffic was diverted along Middleton Road. The motorway is expected to be reopened shortly.
Ends
Released by:
Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District Communications Manager
Mobile 0274 373 020