Drunken teens main issue

Queenstown-based rock band Versificator helps more than 2000 revellers in Wanaka bring in the new...
Queenstown-based rock band Versificator helps more than 2000 revellers in Wanaka bring in the new year at the free New Year’s Eve concert along the lakefront. Photo: Tim Miller.
Despite a small number of arrests and large numbers of unsupervised drunken teenagers roaming the streets of Wanaka, police were generally happy with the behaviour of the thousands of revellers who celebrated the new year in the Upper Clutha.

Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said three arrests were made in Wanaka, one for being drunk and disorderly and two for fighting.

Police also charged seven people with drink-driving.

Many of the estimated 5000 people who attended the free New Year’s Eve on the lakefront were under the age of 18 and were not accompanied by adults, he said.

A large number of them were also drunk.

"They’re too young to go to Rhythm and Alps or get into the pubs so they congregate in the centre of town," he said.

Police had to call the parents of a 13-year-old girl after she was found passed out on the ground.

One person was arrested and charged with assault at the Rhythm and Alps festival in the Cardrona Valley but overall the event was well organised, Snr Sgt Grindell said.

Overall police were pleased with the behaviour of people on the night, he said.

Despite the one arrest, the first in the festival’s four years at its current site, Rhythm and Alps organiser Alex Turnbull said he was "stoked" with how successful the festival had been.

"Once again there were no issues, the vibe was fantastic, all of our acts were in top form and everyone had a great night."

The event drew a crowd of about 7000, and about 4000 camped at the  site, he said.

tim.miller@odt.co.nz

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