Police are generally pleased with behaviour at New Year’s Eve celebrations across the country.
There were no significant issues or incidents reported to Police at any of the main New Year’s Eve events or celebrations.
Police presence in the main areas was focused on preventing harm and ensuring revellers stayed safe while enjoying themselves.
Police largely dealt with minor disorder incidents, liquor ban breaches and intoxication. Arrests that were made were mostly related to alcohol and disorder incidents.
Large crowds at Rhythm and Vines were generally well behaved, with great cooperation between agencies and event organisers. No arrests were made at Rhythm and Vines for the New Year period, and a total of four arrest were made in the Gisborne area for disorderly offending.
Police were happy with crowd behaviour at New Year celebrations across the Coromandel peninsular. In Whangamata about 1,000 revellers gathered to see in the New Year, who were well-behaved and returned home after celebrations.
Across the Coromandel Peninsula, general issues were minimal and less than previous years, with a handful of arrest were made for disorderly behaviour offending. Waihi, Whitianga, Pauanui and Tairua saw in the New Year with no issues.
No major problems were reported at celebrations in Mt Maunganui despite large crowds.
Celebrations in Nelson Bays progressed well with most revellers being well-behaved. Trafalgar Street was the main attraction in Nelson where several thousand attended to enjoy music and festivities in good spirits. There were a small number whose actions resulted in arrests, with a total of 18 arrests in Nelson for drunk and disorderly type offending.
New Year celebrations in Canterbury were generally well-behaved. About 1,500 people gathered in Hagley Park, with no arrests being made. Crowds were well-behaved in Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, Twizel and Timaru.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre