Key Takeaways
- Police reported a total of 41 arrests made nationwide on New Year’s Eve
- The majority of arrests were not made in the South, with only a handful reported
- Queenstown had a relatively incident-free night, with only one arrest made for wilful damage
- Other areas, such as Wanakā, Dunedin, and Christchurch, reported a few minor incidents, including disorderly behaviour, assault, and breaches of bail
- Police expressed overall satisfaction with the behaviour of New Year’s Eve revellers around the country
Introduction to New Year’s Eve Arrests
Police have expressed their satisfaction with the behaviour of New Year’s Eve revellers around the country, reporting a relatively low number of incidents and arrests. Nationally, there were 41 arrests made, with only a handful of these occurring in the South. This is a notable improvement compared to previous years, and police have praised the good-natured crowds for their responsible behaviour. The majority of arrests were made in other parts of the country, with the South experiencing a relatively quiet and incident-free night.
Incidents in Queenstown
In Queenstown, police reported only one arrest made, which was for a 19-year-old man who punched and broke a shop window. The man has been charged with wilful damage and is scheduled to appear in Queenstown District Court on 5 January. Despite the large crowds gathered in the area, police said they were happy with the behaviour of the revellers, and the overall atmosphere was peaceful and respectful. The fact that only one arrest was made in Queenstown is a testament to the good-natured crowd and the effective policing in the area.
Incidents in Other Areas
In other areas, such as Wanakā, Dunedin, and Christchurch, police reported a few minor incidents. In Wanakā, a 29-year-old man was arrested at a bar for disorderly behaviour and assaulting police. In Dunedin, two arrests were made – one for assault in a family relationship, and the other for breach of bail, assaulting police, and resisting arrest. Despite these incidents, police reported that the crowd in the Octagon was good-natured, and there were no significant issues throughout the evening. In Christchurch, there were a few minor incidents reported at the Rolling Meadows festival, including trespass, disorder, and assaults.
Festival Incidents
At the Twisted Frequency festival in Takaka, police helped evacuate up to 100 people to Takaka Hall as the local river was rising rapidly and some parts of the festival area began to flood. This incident highlights the importance of effective emergency response and planning, and police were praised for their swift action in ensuring the safety of festival-goers. At the Rhythm & Alps festival, police reported no significant disorder or incidents, which is a notable achievement given the large crowds and festive atmosphere.
Police Response and Overall Assessment
Overall, police expressed their satisfaction with the behaviour of New Year’s Eve revellers around the country. The low number of arrests and incidents reported is a testament to the effective policing and crowd management strategies employed by authorities. Police also praised the good-natured crowds for their responsible behaviour, which contributed to a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. The fact that only 41 arrests were made nationwide is a notable achievement, and police will likely build on this success in future events. As the country looks forward to future festivals and events, the success of New Year’s Eve policing will serve as a model for effective crowd management and incident response.