Orphan party aftermath
Queenstown has hosted what might be the biggest orphan’s Christmas party in the country.
About 1000 people celebrated a holiday away from the family with drinks, inflatable boats and music at Queenstown water front on Monday.
A large crowd started gathering on the bay once the rain has stopped after 4pm.
Sergeant Keith Newell said police helped a few ‘‘extremely intoxicated’’ people during the day and the party was over about 10pm.
‘‘It’s alarming to see the levels of intoxication some of the partygoers were in, some who were unable to take care of themselves,’’ he said.
Police always worked hard to reduce the harm alcohol could cause in the community.
‘‘Excessive drinking can affect your decision-making, increasing your risk of becoming an offender, a victim, or ending up in hospital – and no-one wants to see this.’’
The amount of rubbish left behind was ‘‘very disappointing,’’ Newell said.
Partygoer Tom Chamberlain said the celebration was tame comparing to last year when people started drinking in the sun from midday. ‘‘It’s respectful, it’s great. People enjoy themselves. Nothing else is open so everyone comes here,’’ he said.
Drinking is permitted on Queenstown streets until 10pm with a holiday liquor ban in place from Wednesday until January 6.
He did not think the party caused problems.
When in England, Chamberlain would spend Christmas in the house, surrounded by family.
‘‘For someone who lives on the other side of the world, I enjoy something that’s completely opposite to a celebration that we have at home.
A large crowd gathered at the beach when the bars closed at midnight on Monday – breaching the liquor ban.
No-one was arrested, but some were warned.