Further charges likely after Gisborne pile-up

Police said the youth drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Wharerata and Awapuni Rds on Saturday night, hitting a police car which then hit another vehicle. Photo / NZ Police

A young Auckland man is facing charges after he allegedly drove through a stop sign and hit a police car, causing a pile-up that wrote off three vehicles in Gisborne.

Police said the youth drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Wharerata and Awapuni Rds on Saturday night, hitting a police car which then hit another vehicle.

All three vehicles were written off but no one was injured.

The youth had been charged with refusing to give a blood specimen. Further charges were likely.

Police said speed and alcohol both appeared to be factors in the crash.

They warned New Year festival-goers on their way to Gisborne to expect heavy traffic and to drive sensibly.

The annual Rhythm and Vines festival starts today at Waiohika on the outskirts of Gisborne, while its sister festival BW began in Gisborne city on Saturday.

Thousands of young people from around the country have been streaming into the city and police say traffic hold-ups are to be expected.

"These two festivals bring around 20,000 extra people into Tairawhiti and that means lots of bodies and lots of cars," Tairawhiti Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said.

"So we ask that everyone drives sensibly - which means don't speed, be patient and if you feel tired, pull over and have a rest."