Quiet New Year's Eve for police

  • 01/01/2016
Fireworks display at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne (Jared Donkin)
Fireworks display at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne (Jared Donkin)

By 3 News online staff, Andrew McMartin, Sophie Lowery and Jeff Hampton

Bay of Plenty and Southern police are pleased after a relatively quiet night to usher in the New Year.

Bay of Plenty hosts the Rhythm and Vines music festival in Gisborne, and Mount Maunganui continues to be region that attracts the biggest crowd.

By 1am there were 22 arrests in the western Bay of Plenty, and arrest numbers were much lower in other areas, with six in Rotorua, seven in Taupo, and one in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Police say the majority of arrests were alcohol-related.

"Apart from pockets of alcohol-fuelled incidents the night went well with communities and holidaymakers enjoying themselves and staying safe," says Prevention Inspector Steve Bullock.

"Notwithstanding the combined efforts of local councils and emergency services, the friends and families were genuinely looking after each other and remaining positive throughout."

Southern police say there were only a few minor incidents and "it was pleasing to see that most people were out enjoying themselves responsibly".

They say it was helpful there were public events that were well-managed and control.

Ten people were arrested for minor disorder and alcohol-related offences in Queenstown, and five in Wanaka for similar offending. Seven were arrested in Dunedin and no one in Waitaki Lakes was arrested.

"The vast majority of people have taken on board the police's prevention messages – drinking alcohol and looking after their friends to ensure that everyone gets home safely from a good night out," says Senior Sergeant Ian Temple.

3 News