New Years Eve Wanaka 2008

New Zealand Police Alert 4:00am 1 Jan 2009 Southern

Location of incident: Wanaka

Incident type: New Years Eve 2008

Media Release on behalf of Sergeant Aaron Nicholson

PRESS RELEASE WANAKA POLICE

New Years Eve Wanaka 2008

Wanaka has enjoyed another family orientated New Years Eve.

Local council run events on the lakefront provided excellent entertainment for the New Year revelry, which saw 2000-3000 people celebrating the arrival of 2009 with music and a fireworks display.

Sergeant Aaron Nicholson, Officer in Charge of the Wanaka Police, said that only 13 people were arrested for a variety of offences including breaches of the Liquor Ban, disorder and behaviour offences during New Years Eve.

Although the weather dampened aspirations somewhat, most people were

in good sprits and this was reflected in the number of arrests.

The 3000 plus strong crowd at the Lake Hawea Hotel enjoyed the Shapshifter and Tiki Taane concert, with people showing a lot of patience waiting for transport from the venue at the end of the concert.

Sergeant Nicholson said, police staff were impressed with the attitude shown by drivers as over 1100 were stopped and drivers were breath tested with only one being processed for drink driving.

Nicholson said the only issue of concern was the number of people walking on the roads between Wanaka and Lake Hawea. There is always the potential for a serious incident given the very dark night, the amount of traffic on the road and the very limited lighting.

Sergeant Nicholson is pleased that limited licensing hours and local liquor ban have played a vital part in delivering the message that Wanaka has become a very hospitable and constructive place for people to celebrate New Years Eve.

ENDS