Community rally to save elderly driver at intersection collision
On 25 August at about 9am the driver of a van was turning at the intersection on Pukete and Wairere Drive Hamilton. The van driver failed to comply with the red traffic signal and collided with an oncoming vehicle which had the right of way. This resulted in the van tipping over crushing the elderly van driver’s arm.
Despite the circumstances – within seconds of the crash occurring, other road users came to the aid of both drivers, and when they realised that the driver was elderly and the van was trapping their arm, they quickly came together and as a group pushed the vehicle upright onto its wheels.
Along with a fast response from FENZ, Hato-Hone St John and quick-thinking members of the public, the injured driver was able to be treated immediately.
We were impressed at how the community came together to help one another during the incident and how both drivers showed concern for one another at the scene. They were both in good spirits despite their ordeal. The van driver was taken to hospital for treatment on their arm along with the driver of the other vehicle who had minor injuries.
It’s a timely reminder to always take a second look at intersections and keep a look out for other vehicles even though you have the right of way.
Things could have been much worse if it wasn’t for the quick thinking of other motorists and witnesses at the scene. We are grateful to those members of the public for their attentive and caring response to the situation.
The driver of the van was issued with an Infringement Offence Notice.
Roadworks on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri
From 7 to 18 December, there will be night-time closures on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am) to carry out wire rope barrier maintenance. Please expect delays when travelling through this area.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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