It was a good time for those at the Mardi Gras in Ohakune at the weekend, but not so much for police "alarmed" at the number of drink drivers.
Police had a strong presence at the annual event, with local officers, highway patrol and traffic alcohol group staff out in force.
In all, 19 people were caught driving with excess breath alcohol between Friday night and Sunday morning. One person had a reading of 691 micrograms per litre of breath -- the legal limit for adults is 250mcg.
Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery says the number is "completely unacceptable", and the poor weather conditions could have compounded the potential danger.
"The weather conditions were variable on Sunday with extreme wind and rain, and all of the 11 drivers processed that morning were planning to travel long distances," Snr Sgt Burbery says.
He says it's a reminder that alcohol can stay in your system for longer than people think.
A dozen people were caught over the limit on Saturday and Sunday morning.
"If drivers have been drinking heavily the night before, they shouldn't get behind the wheel the next morning," he says.
Even small amounts of alcohol can affect driving.
"The best advice is always to make the choice to drink or drive, not both."
If anyone plans on driving after drinking the night before, Snr Sgt Burbery says they should have a lot of sleep and a decent meal beforehand.
Newshub.
