Morning Headlines | Trump risks inflaming Iran matters and the Electricity Authority's new power plan | Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A 63-year-old man is facing court after allegedly tearing through a Southland community at more than four times the speed limit and performing burnouts in a high-powered $160,000 sports car.
Police responded to calls from concerned onlookers on Christmas Eve after the car was seen roaring through the streetsof Edendale.
Constable Julie Russell said it was alleged the man repeatedly returned to the area, at times taking several people for high-speed rides in the vehicle.
“Thanks to timely information from members of the public and our initial enquiries, we were able to quickly identify both the vehicle and the driver,” Russell said.
The vehicle, a black 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, is alleged to have been driven at speeds exceeding four times the posted limit while also performing burnouts.
“Not only is this an extremely dangerous speed, but this level of reckless driving had the potential to cause serious harm to a number of people,” Russell said.
Police received multiple reports of a black sports car speeding within the community. Photo / NZ Police
On Tuesday January 13 police executed a search warrant at a nearby property.
The man was suspended from driving for 28 days and summonsed to appear in court.
The Chevrolet Corvette, valued at about $160,000, was seized and impounded for 28 days.
Police thanked members of the public who contacted officers at the time of the alleged offending.
“Real-time information like this is crucial. It helps us know where to be and supports our investigations, allowing us to take decisive action such as seizing vehicles and holding those responsible to account,” Russell said.
Police are still appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage and has not yet come forward, to contact them online at 105.police.govt.nz using the reference number 251227/2052.
The man is due to appear in Gore District Court on February 11 charged with reckless driving and sustained loss of traction.
