The driver's breath alcohol reading was allegedly more than three times the legal limit. Photo: RNZ
Police have thanked a member of the public who stopped a patrol car to tell them about a drunk driver.
The person spotted a man appearing drunk at a Whangārei fish and chip shop on Thursday night. He then got in a car and drove off.
Shortly afterwards, the member of the public flagged down a police patrol car and told them about it.
Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom said the police soon found the man driving and pulled him over. He admitted drinking more than a dozen beers, and blew a breath alcohol reading of 805mcg - more than three times the legal limit.
"We thank those who are alerting us to this behaviour. Vigilant reporting is often the key to police being able to respond in a timely manner and hold people to account for their actions," Nordstrom said.
A 57-year-old man was remanded in custody and will appear in Whangārei District Court on 27 October.