Attribute to Inspector Sarah Thorn, District Road Policing Manager:
Southern District Police are urging all road users to slow down, stay alert and make safe choices as traffic volumes increase across the region over the coming week.
The message follows a tragic weekend, with two fatal crashes in Southern District between 7am Friday 30 January and 7am this morning [Sunday 1 February]. One of the crashes occurred in the Dunedin area, with another near Queenstown. Our staff have been busy with several other serious injury crashes that were also attended during this period.
There are quite simply too many crashes happening on our roads, and the consequences can be devastating.
Specialist police staff attend scenes like this, alongside other emergency workers. They are highly trained and skilled professionals who work in challenging and conditions. They provide critical care, secure scenes and conduct thorough investigations to understand what has happened. Their work is vital to ensure families receive the care, answers and support they deserve when faced with the death or serious injury of a loved one.
While investigations into these crashes are still in the early stages, the road safety message remains unchanged.
Wear your seatbelt, keep your speed safe, put away distractions, and never drive or ride fatigued or impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The coming days are expected to be particularly busy on Southern District roads, with Waitangi Weekend travel combined with the annual Burt Munro Challenge motorcycle festival, being held in Invercargill from 4–8 February 2026.
The Burt Munro Challenge attracts several thousand participants, spectators and visitors from across New Zealand and overseas. It will significantly increase traffic volumes throughout the wider Southern District.
To help keep people safe, Southern District Police will have dedicated Road Policing staff highly visible across the district, including the use of checkpoints and fatigue stops.
Our focus is on prevention.
We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination, enjoy the events they are travelling to, and make it home safely.
All road users, including motorcyclists, are urged to:
- Avoid driving or riding while tired or impaired
- Stick to posted speed limits and drive to the conditions
- Ensure vehicles and motorcycles are roadworthy
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including seatbelts and approved motorcycle protection.
We remind the public that small decisions can have life‑changing consequences.
Everyone has a role to play in keeping Southern District roads safe.
Police encourage anyone who witnesses illegal or unsafe driving behaviour to report it.
Call 111 if it’s happening now or is an emergency. Call 105 for non-emergencies.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre