Tairāwhiti police have noted a “significant reduction” in the number of people prosecuted for driving while impaired around New Year’s Day check points compared to the previous year.

Inspector Danny Kirk, Tairāwhiti Area Commander, said in a statement police were overall pleased and impressed with the behaviour of both visitors to the region and residents.

“Rhythm and Vines attendees were a neat bunch of Kiwis and our staff found them very polite and respectful. This view was echoed by our emergency service and healthcare partners,” Kirk said.

“While overall the behaviour was good, there were a few arrests at Rhythm and Vines for matters including an assault, possession of controlled drugs for supply, and breaching bail conditions. There were no serious injuries reported from the assault.”

Nearly 6000 drivers were tested for alcohol at three road checkpoints near Rhythm and Vines and 13 people were summoned to appear in court for driving with an excess breath or blood alcohol level.

Fifteen infringement notices were issued for breath alcohol offences.

Over the three days before that, police earlier said they conducted around 7500 breath tests in and around the Gisborne area, with 10 drivers summonsed to court for excess breath or blood alcohol levels, and seven infringement notices issued.

This year’s numbers were a significant reduction from the number of people prosecuted for driving while impaired at the same checkpoints last year, according to police.

“However, our aim remains for no one to ever get behind the wheel impaired by drugs or alcohol, and drivers need to take this responsibility seriously,” Kirk said.

He said police were also pleased with the behaviour of visitors and locals at Mahia.

Police noted a much smaller presence of holiday goers for New Year’s Eve, which Kirk said was likely due to poor weather conditions across the region.

“Police will continue to have an increased presence across the Tairāwhiti region, especially holiday hotspots, monitoring, and ready to respond to unlawful activity as it arises,” he said.

“If you witness any suspicious or unlawful activity, please contact police on 111 if its happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.”