This morning on The Breakfast Show, Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones from New Zealand Police joined us to discuss several incidents and safety issues from around the district.

🚔 Party Gets Out of Hand in Lake Hāwea

Police were called to a party in Lake Hāwea over the weekend following reports of poor behaviour.

Sergeant Hannah-Jones said it's a timely reminder for anyone hosting a gathering to have a plan in place and, where possible, have a sober person keeping an eye on things.

🚤 Boating Safety After Dramatic Lake Rescue

The conversation also turned to a recent boating incident where a vessel sank, leaving its occupant in a dangerous situation.

Thankfully, the person was rescued safely, with Coastguard playing a crucial role in the rescue.

Police are reminding boaties to:

• Wear lifejackets
• Carry communication devices
• Let someone know your plans before heading out
• Be prepared for conditions to change quickly

🔫 Firearm Safety Reminder

Sergeant Hannah-Jones also spoke about a recent incident in which a 15-year-old was injured while rabbit shooting.

While not discussing the specifics of the case, he reinforced the fundamental rules of firearm safety:

• Treat every firearm as loaded
• Always point firearms in a safe direction
• Identify your target and what's beyond it
• Store firearms safely and securely

He said many incidents are preventable when the basic safety rules are consistently followed.

⚡ E-Bikes vs Electric Motorbikes

Police are also seeing confusion around the rules for high-powered electric bikes.

Sergeant Hannah-Jones explained that if a vehicle can travel at motorcycle-type speeds or doesn't have functional pedals, it may legally be considered a motorcycle rather than an e-bike.

That means riders could require:

• A valid licence
• Registration
• A warrant of fitness where applicable
• An approved helmet

His advice was to do your homework before buying an electric bike online and make sure you understand exactly what category the vehicle falls into.

Key Message

Whether you're hosting a party, heading out on the lake, handling firearms, or riding an electric bike, Sergeant Hannah-Jones says a little preparation and common sense can go a long way in keeping everyone safe.