Traditions honoured in Oamaru

One of Oamaru's favourite penny-farthing riders, Oliver Briggs, gives his dog Tuppence a kiss to mark the new year as Oamaru artist  Donna Demente watches outside the Criterion Hotel which was packed with dozens who wanted to welcome the new year in with dancing and jokes.

Publican Sue Cameron-Duncan said New Year's was about honouring traditions and it was a time of new beginnings.

Just down the road on Wansbeck St, Scotts Brewing Co reached crowd capacity just before midnight and duty manager Ed Hunt was pleased with that.

Also just outside the Waitaki District Council a handful of locals gathered to bring in the new year in an alcohol-free and family friendly way.

Organiser Stephen Carter said he did not drink and he was not too keen on going to a pub so wanted to create an alternative event for people of the same thinking.