Following a successful 2018 campaign to spread the drive drink free message across Auckland, the Vodafone Warriors today announced they’re extending their partnership with Police in Tāmaki Makaurau and Auckland Transport during the festive season.
As well as supporting the call to drive drink free through their social media channels and at game days in 2018, Vodafone Warriors players took part in a driver breath testing operation across Auckland, rewarding sober drivers with free tickets to watch the Vodafone Warriors.
Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club is pleased to be extending the partnership with Police and Auckland Transport, and in particular doing their bit to help get the sober driving message across to people over the festive season, one of the busiest periods for Police in terms of alcohol prevention.
“We have to do something as a nation to curb our drink driving rates and prevent death and injury on our roads. As a club we want to do whatever we can to help get the message through,” he said.
“Our players and staff got a real buzz out of being out in the community at the Police checkpoints in August, playing their part in helping to keep our communities safe. They took their responsibilities really seriously and the messages they were passing on to motorists really seemed to resonate. We were proud to be a part of it.”
Senior Sergeant Jono Chappell from Counties Manukau Police said Police are excited to continue this partnership and are extremely grateful to be able to work alongside the Vodafone Warriors to raise awareness and reinforce the importance of driving drink free.
“This summer period is an extremely busy time for Police where we typically see an increase in motorists driving under the influence of alcohol which is a significant concern,” he said.
“We want everyone to stay safe over summer. If you are planning to drink, make sure you and your mates have a plan to get home safe ahead of time.
“As the holiday season approaches, Police will be out on the roads across Tāmaki Makaurau conducting checkpoints where you can expect to be tested.”
Auckland Transport’s Chief Executive Shane Ellison said AT is again very pleased to work closely with its partners NZ Police and Vodafone Warriors to encourage people to be safe on our roads over the summer.
“Christmas and the holiday season is a busy social time and it is important for people to have plans to get home after celebrations,” he said.
“We all want you to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas with your friends and whanau.”
The new partnership adds to the work the Vodafone Warriors already do in the community, including their annual charity day, which raised $70,000 for charity in 2018, the ACC SportSmart programme (promoting health and wellbeing in schools), the CSG League in Libraries campaign (highlighting the importance of literacy in schools) and the ongoing support of Physical Disability Rugby League NZ.
