Levin street racing events and law changes

The story so far

Police prepared for antisocial road user gatherings across the country over the King's Birthday weekend, including a planned meet in Levin, one year after a violent gathering there.^{30 May 2025} On May 30, police used riot shields and dogs to manage a crowd of about 1000 people at a Levin intersection, and seven people were injured, including two police officers.^{31 May 2025; 2 Jul 2025} Impounded cars from the event were listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace, prompting condemnation from local mayors, and buyers must wait 28 days for the vehicles.^{6 Jun 2025} Transport Minister Chris Bishop promised significant penalties, including vehicle forfeiture, after about 200 cars gathered in Levin in June, while organisers said the crackdown had encouraged the gathering by leaving no off-road locations. Police later arrested a further 12 people over the King's Birthday event, bringing the total to 22.^{24 Jun 2025; 2 Jul 2025} In July, the Government introduced the Anti-Social Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill to Parliament to increase penalties for dangerous driving, though officials raised concerns that the proposed powers could threaten judicial discretion.^{30 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 31 May 2025Riot shields and dogs used as crowd of about 1000 met Levin intersection.
2. 31 May 2025Ten arrested and seven injured, including two police officers, after boy racer event.
3. 6 Jun 2025Impounded Levin street race cars listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
4. 24 Jun 2025Transport Minister vows vehicle forfeiture after about 200 cars gather in Levin.
5. 2 Jul 2025Twelve more arrested, bringing total to 22 for King's Birthday gathering.
6. 30 Jul 2025Anti-Social Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.