Twenty people caught drink-driving during Southland police enforcement operation
Thursday 8 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Southland Police
Police apprehended 20 people for drink-driving offences across Southland from 2 October to 4 October. Officers conducted 2,000 breath tests, with 16 arrests occurring near Invercargill and others in Tuatapere, Gore, and Te Anau. Authorities expressed disappointment regarding the high number of offenders caught during the weekend.
Key facts
5 facts
- 20 people caught drink-driving in Southland
- Enforcement period: 2 October to 4 October 2026
- 2000 breath tests conducted in Southland over the weekend
- 526 Southlanders underwent roadside drug screening by late September
- 27 drug screening tests in Southland were positive by late September
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Police apprehended 20 people for drink-driving offences in Southland between Friday, 2 October and Sunday, 4 October. Officers conducted 2000 breath tests across the region during this period.
The offences occurred in several locations, with 16 people caught around Invercargill, two in Tuatapere, one in Gore, and one in Te Anau. Acting Senior Sergeant Blair Shirley stated that the consequences of crashes caused by alcohol or drugs are devastating.
Acting Inspector Simon Kairau noted that roadside drug driver testing has been used in Southland since July. By late September, 526 Southlanders had undergone roadside drug screening, with 27 tests returning positive results.
Police warned motorists to expect alcohol and drug checkpoints at any time and in any location. Shirley advised, "If you're drinking or using drugs, legal or illegal, don't drive".
Where reports differ
- One report includes additional details regarding police activity in Alexandra during the New Zealand Shears event, whereas the other focuses solely on Southland
Compiled from reports by Stuff and The Press.