Britain’s ‘unruly tourists’ face charges again in New Zealand

A man who says he’s related to the “unruly tourists” causing havoc in New Zealand has slammed the treatment of his family.

Police have charged a 26-year-old British man with assault at Takapuna Beach over an alleged incident involving a vehicle on the same day that a group of unruly tourists began their hellraising in New Zealand.

The man has been charged with assault with a weapon and reckless driving, police say.

The man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court today.

Krista Curnow was at Takapuna Beach on January 13 when the alleged incident unfolded.

She alleged a car veered towards her and the British driver tried to take her mobile phone while she tried to take a picture of the car’s licence plate.

She was pleased to hear police had taken action and followed through, she said.

A family of British tourists made headlines around the world since a video emerged of rubbish being strewn on a Takapuna Beach reserve, a court appearance for theft, refusal to pay for food or services as well as hectoring hospitality staff.

Family members say the group of tourists accused of bad behaviour in New Zealand have had their names dragged through mud. Picture: Christine Cornege/NZ Herald

Four people, believed to be part of the 15 or so unruly tourists, have already been served a deportation liability notice (DLN) as a result of an incident at a Burger King in Hamilton.

Tina Marie Cash, 26, appeared in court the next day and pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and was also issued a DLN.

Relatives of the British travellers say their family’s name has been “trashed” by the media.

The brother of Larry Doran, the oldest member of the group which has been touring New Zealand, spoke to The Times in the UK, saying his family were law-abiding citizens.

“They are feeling awful, they feel unsafe. Every time they go to the shops someone takes a picture of them,” the man, who didn’t want to be named, said from a caravan site in the East Midlands.

John Johnson is part of the English group travelling New Zealand. Picture: Supplied/NZ Herald

“They are very nice working-class people and their names been trashed and there were only eight or nine of them not dozens as people are making out.”

The brother said the family — who have left a wake of chaos behind them — had spent $19,000 on their dream holiday.

“The family name has been dragged through the mud. They are law-abiding and go to church, we all do,” Larry’s brother said.

“No way would they do all of this. They wouldn’t do a thing like that. Larry said he went to hell when he got off the plane.”

The brother’s 16-year-old son also told The Times: “It’s been humiliating. All my friends at school are joking about it and I’m seeing all the videos on social media.

“They’ve been targeted because they are Travellers.”

This article originally appeared on the New Zealand Herald and was reproduced with permission