Council appalled at BW riot
Gisborne District Councils response to media reports concerning the behaviour at BW campgrounds last night – comments from Chief Executive
The Gisborne District Council is very concerned about the disturbances at the BW camping Ground on New Year’s Eve. It is appalled that a small group of mischief makers was able to spoil what had been up until that point a well behaved and successful event.
There has been comments on Council role as the issuer of the liquor licence and the resource consent. The District Licensing Committee has no control over what liquor licence the organisers apply for.
BW had applied for an on licence but then withdrew that application after huge pressure from their concert goers. That being said it is clear that those who were determined to make trouble would have done so no matter what the licensing arrangements. Council’s main responsibility is the leasing of the land that is used as the campground. “We will certainly be looking to ensure that the organisers that lease the land from us take every possible action to avoid this happening again” said Judy Campbell Chief Executive of the Gisborne District Council.
All parties, BW Summer Festival and Rhythm and Vine organisers, Police, St John Ambulance, Council, Fire Service and Tairawhiti Health have worked hard to make a good environment at the campgrounds. Unfortunately a small group inside of the camp have decided that this type of behavior is not only acceptable but one that they strive for.
“It must have been very scary for those young people who were caught up in the event” said Judy Campbell Chief Executive of the Gisborne District Council.
“GDC commends those young people who maintained good behavior and carried on to have a more festive end to the concert at Rhythm +Vines”.
Council will be working with the Police and organisers to ensure that this type of behavior does not take root and is not repeated.
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