Wanaka reporter MargotTaylor asks what it is like to work while everyone else is celebrating.
Q: How long have you been a police officer?
A: A very long time. I can remember working on the Springbok tour back in 1981, and I was not the Junior Man. We were on one of the Escort Groups (Blue Squad) and our job was to protect the Boks.
Q: Have you seen changes in the way people behave/celebrate New Year's Eve over that time? If so what?
A: Yes. I recall coming to Wanaka in the late 1970s, every window in the Bullock bar (then the THC) used to get smashed and the streets were littered with glass and cans.
It was not unusual for 30-plus people to be arrested on New Year's Eve them days for disorder/violence-related offences. Gradually, with glass bans, then liquor bans, and more events we have seen behaviour moderating.
The thing that concerns me in more recent times is the mixture of certain drugs, synthetic cannabis etc with alcohol. This tends to bend the minds of people and results in their behaviour being erratic and sometimes violent.
Q: How many times have you worked the New Year's Eve shift and do you have any standout memories?
A: It has been too long, I do not remember. I can say that I have worked most New Year's Eves. I had a New Year off recently and was in Perth. I sat around with good people and drank a few beers. It just did not feel right.
Nothing really stands out in my memories. I recall getting hit in the head with a bottle outside a bar - it knocked my helmet but did not hurt me.
I recall attending a fatal on SH84 just outside Wanaka. That was sad, a young man walking home on the road in the early hours was knocked over and killed.
Probably the best memories are after the night, sitting down with your workmates, having a beer and comparing the behaviours we witnessed.
Q: What are the enjoyable aspects of patrolling Wanaka when it is at it's busiest?
A: Summer and New Year seem to bring the best out in people. Most interactions are positive and the aggression you see on streets at other times of the year seems to be less.
Q: What are the down sides?
A: Working when others are enjoying the good weather. Does anyone want to buy my boat?
Q: What advice do you have for New Year's Eve revellers?
A: Moderation, moderation, moderation. And to look after your mates.
Q: Talk us through a New Year's Eve for the Wanaka police: how many officers will you work with? When do you get to bed and do you do the countdown?
A: Wanaka is supported by a number of other police from various parts of the Southern police district.
The numbers slowly build up to a maximum for New Year, then reduce slowly as the revellers head home.
The numbers include response and road policing staff. I hope to get to bed before dawn and if I am not dealing with persons, I do watch the New Year fireworks at midnight.
Q: In your opinion, why is Wanaka a good place to celebrate the occasion?
A: I think Wanaka is a great place to celebrate New Year. It would have to be one of the, if not the, safest places in New Zealand, if not the world.
Q: If you did not have to work, what would you be doing on New Year's Eve?
A: Barbecue and a few beers.
Q: Is it true that young people cause the most trouble, or do you see more of a mix of people behaving badly?
A: This is a hard question. Although I see many younger people severely affected by drug and alcohol concoctions, I believe they are now well versed in the new rules around liquor licensing and bans and tend to respect the laws.
Some of us oldies do think we can still get drunk in bars and behave like clowns.
Q: What are the most common offences?
A: Disorder-related assault and wilful damage.
