I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in assisting with my accident on Wednesday, February 18 on Princess Road.

In particular, Ms Mere Kawha-Brears and other residents who assisted immediately before emergency services arrived on the scene, as well as police, the fire service, St John, Tauranga Hospital, and Powerco.

I want to apologise to all residents who were inconvenienced by loss of power or restricted access to their homes. I also apologise to Otumoetai College as I was supposed to be in school at the time of the accident.

I sincerely regret the incident and am grateful that, given the circumstances, no one else was seriously injured. I am recovering well and will soon be facing my consequences.

Matthew Kriel, Otumoetai.