Fist fight over parking space in Paihia

Frustration over scarce parking spaces in Paihia boiled over into a fist fight between a 65-year-old local man and a 37-year-old Auckland visitor, leaving both with bruises and a police warning.

Sergeant Peter Masters, of Paihia police, said the incident took place at the corner of Williams Rd and Selwyn Rd about 1.30pm yesterday after the Auckland man had already driven all the way around town looking in vain for a park.

The visitor's sister saw a space come free so stood in it to hold it for her brother; he was just driving towards the newly vacated spot when a Paihia man seized his chance to back into the parking space.

The confrontation was initially between the woman and the 65-year-old, but then the Auckland man joined in.

"They came to blows," Mr Masters said.

Both parties were in the wrong and both had been officially warned.

Mr Masters urged motorists to "show a bit of patience".

"There's a lot of people in town, and the heat and humidity does make people act in ways they usually wouldn't."