A safe and enjoyable New Year’s eve for all

MEDIA RELEASE: TAIRAWHITI POLICE
1 January 2013

Tairawhiti Police are this morning praising the behaviour of more than 30,000 people who ushered in 2013 at the Rhythm and Vines music festival at Waiohika Estate.

Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said there were only three arrests overnight – one for an alleged assault at BW Camping Ground and two others for drug and alcohol related events at Rhythm and Vines.

“The only real disappointment of the entire evening was that a group of individuals deliberately lit a number of small fires at the BW camping ground,” said Inspector Aberahama.

“The fires were extinguished almost immediately by trained security staff already on site, and no one was hurt. But this kind of stupidity just takes up emergency resources and mars what was otherwise an outstandingly successful New Year’s eve party.”

Inspector Aberahama said bus transportation from the BW camp grounds to Rhythm and Vines went smoothly for a third night, and the large crowds were well behaved when they got to the event.

“Most people presenting either to St Johns or to the hospital’s emergency department were treated for minor injuries like rolled ankles, bruises, or because they’d been drinking too much.”

Inspector Aberahama asked those leaving the festivals to make sure they had sobered up and had a good sleep before they considered driving.

“Checkpoints will be in place both north and south of Gisborne. My message to people going home after R&V is: You’ve had a great time, make it last until you get home. Get a good sleep and drink plenty of water before you hit the road. Drive sober, drive slowly and drive safe.”

ENDS

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