Police have criticised the actions of a Christchurch woman who crashed her car, with her three children in it, while driving drunk.
The 28-year-old was 3.5 times over the legal limit when she hit a power pole in New Brighton on Tuesday.
She was prevented from driving off again by a passer-by who took the keys from her.
None of the children, all under five years, was injured.
Police say the woman recklessly put the lives of her children at risk.
The woman's licence has been suspended and she is charged with drink driving, with police saying further charges are likely.
The matter has also been referred to Child Youth and Family.
