Extra police for New Year duty

Policing numbers are set to swell in the Wanaka area to cope with the annual influx of holidaymakers for the busy New Year period.

Wanaka sub-area commander Senior Sergeant Alan Grindell said five full-time staff are being assigned to the Wanaka police station from December 27.

The extra police would carry out "general" front-line duties alongside the existing 11 Wanaka police officers, he said.

More temporary staff would also be rostered on to work in Wanaka and Hawea during the busy night of busy New Year's Eve celebrations, Snr Sgt Grindell said.

"We'll be maintaining a highly-visible profile," he said.

As part of their duties officers will be policing the 24-hour liquor ban, which comes into effect from Sunday, December 27 at 6am and lasts until Wednesday, January 6.

Police were required to take a "firm approach" during the New Year period, he said.

He also urged people to be patient and tolerant during the Christmas period.


Liquor bans:
Take effect from tomorrow at 6am until Wednesday, January 6.

Wanaka ban covers: The whole of the Lake foreshore from Sunrise Bay-Edgewater to Penrith Park; from the foreshore to an outer boundary formed by and including the following: Sargood Dr, Meadowstone Dr, Stone St, Golf Course Rd, Macpherson St, Anderson Rd, Aubrey Rd, Beacon Point Rd, Penrith Park Dr

Hawea ban covers: The shoreline of Lake Hawea from the Holiday Park, and along the roads, beaches and QLDC parks and reserves of the southern foreshore of Lake Hawea, including the Hawea township