Crimeline: Three vehicle collision at Hanleys Farm Intersection

Three vehicle collision
Police were called to an alleged three-vehicle collision at the Hanleys Farm intersection on Kingston Road. A vehicle on Jack Hanley Drive turning right has allegedly failed to give way to oncoming traffic and allegedly collided with a vehicle travelling towards Frankton. It’s understood the two vehicles have then allegedly been pushed into a vehicle waiting to turn right from Kingston Road into Jack Hanley Drive. There was extensive damage to all vehicles and road was reduced to one lane for an hour. Investigations are ongoing.

 

Aggression at the Casino
Police were called to Sky City Casino on Sunday, 11 October, after a male allegedly became verbally aggressive with security staff and refused to provide I.D. The male was trespassed by from the location and left without issue.

 

Fighting on Beach Street
Police were called to a fight outside the Beach Street toilets on Wednesday, 7 October. Two males and a female were allegedly engaged in a verbal altercation, which turned physical with all parties pushing and shoving each other. One of the parties involved was allegedly located a short time later trying to start fights at a backpackers. A 33 year old Central Otago male was arrested and released with a formal written warning for disorderly behaviour.

 

Drink Driving
- Vehicle stopped on Shotover Street. Driver underwent evidential breath test – alleged result 516mcg/l breath.

- 29 year old local female charged with breath alcohol level over 400mcg/l breath.

 

Summer concerns for volunteer firefighters
Recently returned from three weeks helping during the massive US wildfires in Washington and Oregon, Fenz Otago assistant district commander Bobby Lamont says his greatest concern, should the much-heralded Super El Nino eventuate, is volunteer firefighter fatigue.

“I’m weary heading into our summer if the long, dry, hot summer that’s being predicted comes to pass as it will be a long summer for our (volunteer) people,” Lamont says. “I’m not overly concerned about the resources available to fight any fires that may start as we have amazing resources in Otago and Southland. However, I’m concerned that it could be really tough on our firefighters, especially as they’re all volunteers, all of whom have to respond, and there could be some responding often,” he says.

He’s concerned about possible fatigue among the crews trying to keep on top of any wildfires or vegetation fires, if the conditions predicted do eventuate, and people welfare. “We’ll deal with what comes at us, but we will be monitoring that fatigue and welfare. That will be the biggest thing,” he says.

 

Don’t be fooled, rescuers say.
Backcountry rescue experts are reiterating safety warnings for any recreational hikers and climbers heading up into the hills to be weary of spring avalanches and not to venture beyond their capabilities.

Epic social media shots have lured many a young overseas hiker out of their depth into danger around the Wakatipu and Wanaka in recent seasons, with locals being caught out too. Rescuers say as summer approaches with warm temperatures forecast spring snow melt could still pose some risks.

Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team coordinator Russ Tilsley says the likes of Ben Lomond and The Remarkables are territory that people need to be well prepared for at present before they take it on. “You need the right experience, equipment and skills to go into some of these areas,” Tilsley says.

“We’re seeing snowfalls a lot later in the season now too and these can build up over cornices.” He says it doesn’t take a big avalanche to knock someone off a cliff so extreme care is still needed in spring as temperatures warm and the snow softens.

All backcountry hikers should stick to their capabilities, know the terrain they’re heading into and it’s imperative that they carry several reliable forms of communication, including either a personal locator beacon and/or inReach satellite device, he says. “You can’t guarantee cellphone coverage in the mountains.”

With a busy season of rescues last summer, they’re urging people to be prepared and know the skill, experience and fitness level required. Two young Australian men in their early 20s on a mission to climb Mount Aspiring last December had to be rescued by helicopter just across from the Bonar Glacier on their journey in after suffering from severe exhaustion.

 

DOC warns pack right and be prepared
With increasing numbers of people finding themselves in difficulty at times, particularly overseas visitors unfamiliar with Queenstown Lakes terrain, Kiwis too, DOC rangers are warning people to take all the right precautions to stay safe.

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says summer is a great time to get out into the backcountry and explore the region, but he’s offering a few tips:

• Choose the right trip for you, based on your skills and experience – not just what you’ve seen on social media.
• Understand the weather and check the forecast regularly.
• Pack warm clothes and extra food.
• Share your plans with a trusted contact and have the means to get help if you need it including packing a personal locator beacon.
• Take care of yourself and each other.

“You can spend all winter dreaming of an epic summer mission – only for the weather to change last minute,” Fleming says. “Be prepared to change your plans.”

Last summer the opening of the Milford Track Great Walk season was delayed by almost two months due to avalanche risk and late snow, he says. “It’s a good idea to have back up options for bad weather.”