New Zealand police are joining forces with their Australian counterparts in a 12-hour operation to fight alcohol related crime.
The campaign, named Operation Unite, was an opportunity for police to "show a united stance and keep alcohol related issues in the public eye", specialist operations acting assistant commissioner Win Van der Velde said.
"(The) operation aims to send a strong and clear message that police and the community will not put up with alcohol related violence, drunken behaviour and other related crime," he said.
Police spend about $200 million annually dealing with alcohol related crime, which is estimated to cost $716.5 million.
"We're not pretending that a one-night operation will solve alcohol related crime and anti social behaviours on both sides of the Tasman," Mr Van der Velde said.
"Community action is needed to bring about a long term cultural change to the social costs of excessive drinking."
Police - along with Maori wardens, community patrols, health agencies and other interest groups - will be targeting drink drivers and underage drinkers as well as conducting spot checks at licensed premises in all 12 police districts on Friday night.
"It's not just enforcement - prevention and education is vital in changing people's attitudes to drinking," Mr Van der Velde said.
All alcohol related offenders would be given a wallet-sized card with the Alcohol and Drug Association's helpline number, he said.
"Reducing alcohol related harm is a top priority for police and it needs to be a public one too."
On average, 52 people are driven home or detained by police each day for being intoxicated.
About one third of all crimes involve alcohol.
NZPA