Man charged with careless driving following Santa Parade crash

The police have charged a 45-year-old man following their investigation into an incident that occurred at the Avondale Christmas Parade in November last year.

On 25 November 2023, a car that was taking part in the parade collided with members of a brass band that was performing at the time.

Following this incident it was reported at the time that up to five people may have been injured.

Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says a thorough enquiry has been carried out into the events that afternoon.

“As a result of our investigation, we have charged a 45-year-old man with two counts of careless driving causing injury,” she says.

The man has been summonsed to appear in the Auckland District Court on 4 March.

Inspector Robertson says police also investigated allegations of assaults taking place following the initial crash.

“Despite extensive enquiries for CCTV, video footage or independent witnesses, we have not been able to corroborate these reports,” she says.

“As such, police have concluded our enquiries into this incident and we have advised all parties concerned.”

“Quite a shocking thing to watch”

Following the crash in November, Tupelu Aukuso, who was playing the euphonium for the 30-strong PIPC Avondale Auckland Community Brass Band, spoke with PMN about his reaction to the incident.

“We saw the car … it started revving… we thought he was trying to do a burnout and then all of sudden I hear someone screaming ‘stop’ and then the car has come right through the middle of our band, just missing me but taking two or three people under the stage with the car.

“I looked around to see where my partner was, but I couldn't find her - and so I started screaming and yelling for someone to help me push the car back.”

Laura Autagavaia, also witnessed the incident, and says the whole thing happened in a flash

“It was quite a shocking thing to watch. The car was doing all its revving. It looked like they had no control. There was that quote that it was moving at a slow roll - but it was definitely faster than a slow roll.”