"He had been missing quite a while before finding his car submerged in the river and his body in the car,"
Investigations into the man's death are ongoing.
However, Fenwick said police believed alcohol might have been involved.
"From a road safety point of view, it highlights the dangers of drink driving. Even if it's roads you know, so much can go wrong," he said.
"There's no reason to leave a marae – there's usually plenty of places to sleep. No one wins when people decide to drive drunk."
Alcohol was also suspected as a factor in a crash on Saturday night after a man left a tangi at Ruatoki marae.
He was travelling along Reid Rd about 7pm when he hit a power pole, taking down the pole and the lines.
The man then abandoned the vehicle, and he was still unknown to police.
"We're noticing an increase in crashes involving alcohol and we want this to stop," Howard said.
"If you are at a gathering or function, look after your mates and don't let them get in the car and drive.
"Provide alternative transport in the rural areas if you're organising a function; be a responsible host."
Howard said police would be increasing checkpoints, especially in rural areas, to assist in reducing the number of intoxicated drivers on the road.
"We'll be doing the usual checkpoints, but they'll be popping up more frequently in the rural areas because that seems to be where the drink driving is happening more."
- Whakatāne Beacon
