Police are cracking down on "antisocial road users" in the Bay of Plenty, along with three other regions around New Zealand.

As part of a massive Matariki weekend crackdown, hundreds of infringement notices were ssued, as well as arrests made and vehicles impounded across Canterbury, Wellington, Manawatu, and Bay of Plenty as Police turned out in force over three nights, to disrupt antisocial drivers.

The police operations, codenamed Operation Cartel for Canterbury, Operation Kereru for Wellington, Operation Vendico for Bay of Plenty and Operation Purple for Manawatu, were aided by the redeployment of the Police Eagle helicopter in the two lower North Island regions.

Police across the North Island and parts of the South were on high alert ahead of Matariki Day and also redeployed additional staff and resources to support several operations taking place over the long weekend throughout New Zealand.

Bay of Plenty: Operation Vendico

A Matariki weekend Bay of Plenty Police operation, codenamed 'Operation Vendico' has resulted in sending antisocial road users "packing", says NZ Police.

Bay of Plenty Police rolled out on Saturday night with one aim – to disrupt and prevent a mass of antisocial road users from using our roading network as their playground.

This task was successfully carried out with checkpoints set up at entry points to Rotorua frustrating those intending to take part in the illegal activity, says police.

Groups were intercepted before they could get established, meaning they were unable to participate in activity such as skids or racing.

“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,” says 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.”

Bay of Plenty Police were out in force on the weekend to clamp down on antisocial road users. Photo: NZ Police.

Three people were arrested, seven summonsed for driving with excess breath alcohol and one license suspended.

Police say 163 infringement notices were issued.

Four vehicles were impounded and 14 green stickers ordering vehicles off the road, with two drivers receiving multiple tickets for failing to comply with directions.

Police impounding a vehicle which was taken away by a tow truck. Photo: NZ Police.

Twelve vehicles were either pink or green stickered due to compliance issues, and one person was arrested for disorderly behaviour.

“More importantly we have also prevented a young person or persons getting killed or seriously injured as a result,” says Inspector Phil Gillbanks.

“It is clear we do not want antisocial road users here, and we will continue to act until that message sinks in. 

“Of particular concern, two illegal radio devices were found amongst the vehicles that went through the checkpoints.

“These devices could disrupt operational Police channels which could have catastrophic consequences and charges are being considered.

"We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses this type of activity to report it to Police."

Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through the Police 105 service.

If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Vehicles were unable to participate in illegal skid meets on the weekend thanks to a crackdown by Police, unlike this meet in 2023 in the Bay of Plenty. Photo: Supplied.