Children seen dancing in traffic as police crack down on league celebrations

Police say they’re disappointed in the actions of a small number of rugby league fans following the final weekend of the Pacific Rugby League Championship.

Additional officers were deployed to Ōtāhuhu, Māngere, Ōtara and Clendon as fans took to the streets in celebration.

Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray, said while most fans celebrated peacefully, a minority caused disruption and put others at risk.

“Police would like to thank the majority who celebrated peacefully and lawfully,” Gray said.

“However, it’s disappointing to see that there were a number of individuals choosing to behave poorly, putting themselves and other members of the public at risk.”

Over the weekend, police recorded a range of unlawful behaviour, including people riding on top of vehicles, children dancing in live traffic lanes, and cars performing burnouts.

A total of 31 arrests were made, and 225 infringement notices issued for breaches of liquor bans, driving, and other road-related offences.

Six vehicles were impounded, and 15 people were summonsed to court for drink-driving.

“We recognise the right for people to gather and celebrate in our communities,” Gray said.

“However, this should not be at the expense of other people’s safety or enjoyment.”

It’s the second time in two weeks police have been deployed to the south Auckland suburbs.

Police arrested 23 people following weekend celebrations linked to the Tonga versus Samoa rugby league game played in Brisbane on October 26.

They also issued 204 infringement notices for driving and road-related offences.

Toa Samoa won 34-6 over Tonga XIII  at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Police told the Franklin Times they monitored town centres in Ōtāhuhu, Māngere, Ōtara and Clendon on the night of October 26, areas that traditionally host gatherings of fans for both teams.

Officers reported heavy traffic and crowds throughout the evening, saying most people celebrated peacefully.

However, there were “multiple incidents that were disappointing to police”, including high-risk driving, people riding on top of vehicles, and sustained loss of traction.

Police also issued 204 infringement notices for driving and road-related offences.