Ohakune Police were pleased with the well behaved crowds at the annual Ohakune Mountain Mardi Gras on the weekend but were disappointed with the number of those who chose to drink and drive.
Central District Road Policing Manager Inspector Dave White says: "The behaviour of those who attended the Mardi Gras was very positive and I praise those people who partied smart and were responsible drivers.”
This year the Mardi Gras attracted approximately 5,000 people.
"There are always people that make the wrong decision and don’t dress warm but clearly the dress choice this year was the infamous 'onesie' with a huge range of animal designs being the most popular. This attire was a smart choice as the temperatures were around 1-2 degrees Celsius."
The Mardi Gras went off without any major incidents, however there were 20 arrests for breach of the liquor ban and disorderly behaviour.
A major concern for Police was the number of people caught for drink driving — out of the 5,000 vehicles stopped at checkpoints, 11 drivers were apprehended for drink driving.
“We were very disappointed at those people who made the decision to drink and drive. It was no secret that officers were on the main roads through Ohakune. While we were two drink drivers down from last year which is encouraging, 11 are still unacceptable.”
One driver who was processed on Saturday night turned up at the Ohakune Station on Sunday morning with her friend to collect her car keys. Her delegated safe driver was breath tested and he also was still over the legal limit.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and the message is simple; don’t drink and drive and always drive to survive,” says Inspector White.
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