Bay of Plenty Police disrupted multiple planned anti-social road user gatherings overnight with arrests, impounds, and infringements issued.

Police said a significant number of anti-social road users travelled from Hamilton, Rotorua, and other areas to Tauranga for planned meetups.

“Over the course of the operation, more than 100 Police staff were out on the roads, conducting checkpoints throughout the wider Tauranga area,” Police said.

The Police Eagle helicopter, a Bell 429 GlobalRanger (registration ZK-IPC), was in the Bay of Plenty area on Saturday, August 30, 2025, to assist ground staff with monitoring antisocial road user activity overnight. Photo / Supplied.

The Police Eagle Helicopter was deployed to assist, providing crucial information to staff on the ground.

Tauranga residents reported hearing the police helicopter.

“I heard the helicopter about 10.30pm last night in Arataki,” Bailey Moore said on Sunday morning.

Another resident at Mount Maunganui said the helicopter was busy overhead “for quite some time” late on Saturday evening.

The flight path of the Police Eagle helicopter on Saturday night.  Image / ADSBExchange.com

Western Bay of Plenty Area Prevention Manager Inspector Zane Smith said the strong police presence at known meet spots around Tauranga prevented the groups from blocking roads and performing dangerous activities.

“There were multiple instances where the gatherings moved to other areas, such as Pāpāmoa, Marine Parade, Tauriko, and Oropi.

“However, our visible and preventative approach meant groups were intercepted before they were able to participate in any anti-social road user activity.”

Police disrupting antisocial road user behaviour in Tauranga on Saturday night, August 30, 2025. Photo / NZ Police

In total, three people were arrested for driving while disqualified, resisting police, and obstructing police.

A 19-year-old man is due to appear in Tauranga District Court on September 5, charged with driving while suspended and resisting police.

The other two people are due to appear in court at a later date.

More than 100 Police conducted checkpoints throughout the wider Tauranga area on Saturday night. Photo / NZ Police

One thousand initial breath screening tests were conducted at multiple checkpoints throughout the night, with four excess breath alcohol results relating to the pre-planned gatherings.

Nine members of the public also recorded excess breath alcohol results.

Twenty vehicles were pink or green stickered, ordering them off the road as they were deemed unsafe to be driven.

Police also impounded four vehicles, alongside issuing 31 infringement notices.

Bay of Plenty Police intercepted and disrupted multiple planned anti-social road user gatherings on Saturday night with arrests, impounds, and infringements issued.

Inspector Smith said a range of factors make these events dangerous.

“Illegally modified and unroadworthy vehicles travelling on roads at speed and performing sustained losses of traction is a quick way for someone to end up seriously injured, or worse.

“This driving behaviour is dangerous for everyone involved; drivers, passengers, spectators, the public, and our staff.”

Police disrupting antisocial road user behaviour in Tauranga on Saturday night, August 30, 2025. Photo / NZ Police

Smith said Police hear the community frustration and feel the same way.

“Our message is clear – we have zero tolerance for this behaviour and the havoc it creates.

“If you are participating in anti-social road user activities, expect to see us on the roads taking action.

“I think that was made very clear by our response this weekend,” Smith said.

“Disruption and prevention were the focus for us, and these results show the good work done by all the officers involved.”

Police encourage anyone who witnesses anti-social road user behaviour to report it immediately.

Call 111 if it is happening now, or report after the fact through the 105 service.

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

A strong Police presence at hot spots around Tauranga prevented groups from blocking roads and performing dangerous activities. Photo / NZ Police. 

Police were also carrying out patrols and checkpoints in other areas of the country on Saturday night.

A strong Police presence in Manawatū overnight saw officers issue dozens of infringements.

Operation Purple - supported by staff from Whanganui, Taranaki, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay - saw at least 250 breath tests carried out.

Twenty vehicles were pink or green stickered, with Police ordering them off the road as they were deemed unsafe to be driven. Photo / NZ Police

Manawatū Area Prevention Manager Inspector Ash Gurney said police “executed our plan well”.

“We got in early; we were highly visible from the start with patrols, check points, and vehicle stops, which made sure that the groups were not able to form in numbers.”

This resulted in:

• 250 initial breath screening tests, with four people presenting with excess breath alcohol
• 58 infringements issued
• Nine vehicles issued with either pink, blue or green stickers
• Four vehicles impounded
• Two licence suspensions

Three people were also arrested during the operation:

• A 28-year-old man was arrested for allegedly throwing a bottle at a Police vehicle. He is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on September 4
• A 33-year-old man was arrested for failing to remain at a Police checkpoint, presenting with excess breath alcohol, and previous outstanding matters. He is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on September 1
• A 21-year-old was processed for presenting with excess breath alcohol and is awaiting blood results.

Gurney said the results are pleasing.

“I’m really pleased with the outcome of this operation, especially when we see the devastating impacts that can occur from anti-social road user behaviour.

“Police are sending a message to anyone participating in anti-social road user behaviour – we are ready and waiting, and you can expect us to take action anywhere, anytime."