Tragedy on Christmas Morning: A Mother’s Choices Lead to Tragedy

Northland, New Zealand — In the early hours of December 25, 2017, a tragic accident unfolded in Kaikohe, Northland, when Marino Wikaira, a mother of two, made a fateful decision that would cost the life of her six-year-old daughter, Joshwyn Reihana-Ruka-Wikaira.

The night before Christmas, Wikaira consumed 18 premixed vodkas and, despite being severely impaired, drove the following morning with her two children in the backseat. The next day, on December 22, 2017, she was found to be exceeding the 100 km/h speed limit on a road in Kaikohe when she lost control of her vehicle, veering into the opposite lane and crashing into a bank. Her two-year-old daughter survived the crash, but Joshwyn, who was not properly restrained with a child car seat—only secured with a lap belt—died at the scene.

The coroner, Ian Telford, concluded that multiple factors contributed to the tragic incident, including alcohol intoxication, cannabis use, fatigue, and excessive speed. He emphasized that alcohol can remain in the body for up to 18 hours and that Wikaira had driven 14 hours after her last drink, significantly increasing her risk of impairment. Experts from Massey University added that the combination of alcohol and fatigue severely impaired her ability to maintain vehicle control and react to road conditions.

"This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence, especially after a night of heavy drinking," said Coroner Telford. "The effects of alcohol do not disappear quickly, and many people are unaware of the residual impairment that can linger into the next day. This is why we must raise public awareness about the risks of driving the morning after heavy drinking."

The coroner also highlighted the importance of proper child restraints in vehicles, noting that Joshwyn should have been in a child car seat, not just a lap belt. He called for public awareness campaigns to address the risks of driving the morning after heavy drinking, especially due to the 'half-life' of alcohol and its disruption of sleep.

In response, the coroner recommended that the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), police, and Health NZ develop targeted anti-drink-driving campaigns that emphasize the dangers of morning-after driving. He also recommended that police and NZTA jointly establish standardized criteria for identifying and classifying fatigue in crashes.

Police accepted two of the recommendations, acknowledged one, and noted another. NZTA acknowledged the need to address morning-after risks but stated it would not launch a new campaign, though it would monitor data trends. Health NZ supported the recommendations and will advise NZTA on campaign development.

This case underscores the importance of public education on the risks of driving after heavy drinking, particularly the combined effects of alcohol and fatigue, and the critical need for proper child restraints in vehicles. It is a sobering reminder of how a single decision can have devastating consequences, not only for the driver but for their loved ones as well.

As the coroner emphasized, the responsibility lies with all road users to make informed choices and prioritize safety, especially when the effects of alcohol and fatigue may still be present long after the last drink.