Police worked to disrupt a large-scale "anti-social road user event" in Manawatū last night involving around 200 vehicles, arresting four people and issuing dozens of infringements.
Manawatū area commander Inspector Matenga Gray said police put a significant level of resource into what it called Operation Golf ahead of the planned gathering — largely concentrated around the rural outskirts of Palmerston North and Horowhenua.
"Police staff from Wellington, Whanganui, and Manawatū worked together to target last night’s event. It allowed us to successfully interrupt multiple gatherings and remind participants they’re not welcome here," he said.
Two police vehicles were damaged by projectiles thrown by the crowd after their vehicles blocked part of State Highway 1 near Rongotea Rd. No officers were injured.
“I’m proud of how our staff reacted to this violence,” Gray said.
“Despite the threat, officers used their training and managed to break up the gathering. Over the course of an hour we cleared the scene and processed drivers through checkpoints, while keeping disruption to highway traffic to a minimum. It was a great effort, and bailiffs also seized several vehicles.”
Four people were arrested for offences including breach of bail, failing to stop for police, and resisting police.
Police said two vehicles were impounded by court bailiffs, seven were impounded by police, and a further seven were ordered off the road.
Forty-eight infringements were issued alongside multiple driver licence suspensions. Gray said final enforcement numbers were yet to be confirmed.
Police were working to identify other offenders by reviewing photos and videos from the event, he added.
"Over the coming weeks, we’ll be speaking to others who were involved, and they can expect to answer for their actions. Those involved in this activity can expect ongoing, coordinated responses and a continued zero‑tolerance approach from police."
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