A coordinated police operation targeting anti-social road users led to 21 vehicles being ordered off the road and nearly 80 infringement notices issued across Hutt Valley and Porirua over the weekend.
Dubbed Operation Kererū, the large-scale enforcement began on Saturday night when officers intercepted approximately 100 vehicles gathered at Kmart Petone. Each vehicle was processed through a checkpoint as part of a broader crackdown on illegal car meets.
The convoy later regrouped in Porirua, where more police staff were waiting. A third checkpoint was established in Seaview after the group relocated again.
Hutt Valley Area Commander, Inspector Wade Jennings, said police also faced dangerous behaviour on Eastern Hutt Road in Taita, where about 80 bystanders blocked the road and threw bottles. Officers responded by forming protective lines with shields and helmets, directing the crowd back to their vehicles for inspection.
“We know the public, and certainly Police, won’t tolerate this dangerous behaviour,” said Inspector Jennings. “Participants can expect to be stopped and to face enforcement action.”
One vehicle involved in the night’s events lost control on State Highway 2, crashing through a metal barrier and landing on railway tracks. Remarkably, the two occupants escaped without serious injury.
Police say the operation helped prevent significant damage to roads and disruption to communities across the region.
“This was a successful night thanks to the work of our frontline officers and many others working behind the scenes,” said Jennings.
