Kiwi rock star Hadleigh Donald charged with drink driving

Hadleigh Donald, pictured at the 2008 Big Day Out, has been charged with drink driving. Photo / Dean Purcell

A New Zealand rock star has been charged with drink driving after allegedly blowing a breath alcohol reading of more than twice the legal limit.

The Bleeders guitarist Hadleigh Health Donald was charged after being stopped on Canada St in Auckland on September 22.

The 34-year-old, listed as a musician in court documents, appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday.

It is alleged he blew a reading of 510 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath.

The legal limit in New Zealand was lowered on December 1 from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg.

Donald will appear again in the Auckland District Court next year.

The Bleeders, a punk rock band formed in the early 2000s, have played at venues throughout New Zealand and internationally.

They have also opened for US rock band Good Charlotte but are currently on hiatus.

As Sweet as Sin, the band's 2006 debut album, was a success in the New Zealand music charts, peaking at number two. While the single from the record, Nightmares, reached number 10.

A second self-titled album, Bleeders, was released in 2008.