A shocking revelation has rocked New Zealand's transport system, prompting urgent action from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The agency has ordered an independent analysis of breath testing data, aiming to uncover the full extent of falsely recorded tests. This move comes after RNZ's earlier report, which revealed that approximately 130 police staff across the country were under investigation due to 30,000 alcohol breath tests being "falsely or erroneously recorded."
But here's where it gets controversial... NZTA has temporarily halted $6 million in funding to the police, demanding assurance that breath test targets are being met. This decision has sparked a series of weekly reports to Transport Minister Chris Bishop, shedding light on the ongoing investigation.
In an update dated October 27, NZTA revealed its plan to engage an independent supplier to analyze the breath screening test data provided by the police. The analysis aims to identify any further irregularities beyond those already detected by the NZ Police.
The 30,000 breath tests in question are linked to an algorithm that determines whether a second test occurs within 90 seconds of the first, with a speed of over 20 km/h between the two tests. However, in an update to Bishop on October 13, NZTA expressed concerns that the police could not determine if any irregular testing took place while officers were stationary.
NZTA has been actively supporting and encouraging the NZ Police to explore options for overcoming these limitations and to employ new detection methods to ascertain the true scale of irregularities. Acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Johnson acknowledged that while the algorithm has proven effective in identifying tests conducted while the device was in motion, it falls short in detecting all forms of irregular testing, especially those undertaken in specific locations.
Transport Minister Bishop reiterated the seriousness of the matter, emphasizing the need for a resolution. He stated that NZTA has kept him informed throughout the process and that independent analysis is currently underway, with close collaboration between NZTA and the police. NZTA expects to provide further updates early next year.
An NZTA spokesperson confirmed to RNZ that the independent analysis is in progress and is anticipated to be completed early in 2023. NZTA has requested that the police provide assurance regarding the accuracy of delivery numbers for breath screening tests and wider road policing activity measures for the 2024/25 financial year and the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
NZTA and the police are working together to verify the final results, with expectations of completion in early 2026. Acting Deputy Commissioner Johnson stated that NZTA had paused delivery-dependent road policing funding for the first quarter of the financial year, pending the outcome of the police investigation into breath testing data irregularities.
The police, for their part, have assured that they continue to deliver very high levels of breath testing activity and will maintain a high-visibility presence over the summer period.
This ongoing saga raises important questions about the integrity of breath testing data and the potential impact on road safety and policing practices. As the investigation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how NZTA and the police address these concerns and restore public trust.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think the actions taken by NZTA are justified, or is there a better way to handle such situations? Share your opinions in the comments below!
