Festival back for New Year
Whangamata is welcoming a likely influx of New Year’s Eve revellers after Mt Maunganui curtailed their plans, but they’re not expecting trouble to come too.
With the demise of the Mount’s organised beach party there is speculation those looking for a raucous night will head along the coast to the Coromandel.
The Smashed Pipi cafe coowner Mike Roulston is hoping for a busy night at his Whangamata venue.
‘‘Apparently with Tauranga changing their New Year’s Eve celebrations we are meant to get an influx of people which is great.
‘‘We are used to big crowds having dealt with Beach Hop - we encourage people to have a good time but of course being mindful of damage and people causing trouble. We just want people to enjoy themselves,’’ Roulston said.
Thames Coromandel District Mayor Sandra Goudie believes New Year’s Eve celebrations will be controlled in the beachside town.
‘‘We have a zero tolerance for disorderly behaviour and Whangamata is an alcohol and drama free zone this summer.
‘‘There’s a 24/7 alcohol ban in place until 4am January 8 2018 so no alcohol can be consumed in any public place over this time.
‘‘You can get an instant fine of $250 or be arrested if you breach the ban’’.
It will be the first time in 15 years that a paid concert will be held in Whangamata with WaveFront bringing popular acts to the town.
The alcohol-free ticketed and fenced event features DJs including Alien Weaponry, Benny Tipene, Cymbol, General Lee, L.A. Women, Melodownz performing on an outdoor stage.
The $25 tickets have been selling well, leaving Wavefront promoter, Denis Beaver, expecting an audience of three to five thousand for the concert at Williamson Park which will run from 6.30pm to
12.30am.
The capacity of the park is 6000. He thinks there may be some effect from Tauranga not having an event but he’s more worried about catering to the local community.
‘‘The event is alcohol-free, with only ticket-holders allowed in the fenced venue once they have gone through security entrance check.
‘‘It’s targeting families and the young kids can come along - so they have somewhere which is safe and secure without alcohol at the event.
Intoxicated people won’t be allowed into the venue.
WaveFront is what teenagers Jane Tingey, Claudia Sam and Jess Jervis, all 15 think that they will head along too. They’re looking forward to seeing Benny Tipene play.
Plenty of other holidaygoers on the streets of Whangamata are yet to make up their mind as to what they will be doing to see in 2018.
Eastern Waikato Area Commander, Inspector John Kelly, said police were treating this New Year’s Eve the same as any other year.
Extra police staff were deployed to coastal Coromandel townships each summer period as the peninsula population swells with an influx of holidaymakers.
Overnight on Thursday police dealt with several disorder incidents in Whangamata.
A number of people were arrested for fighting and possession of cannabis, Kelly said, but there had been few incidents of concern.
But the biggest message to holidaymakers hitting the Coromandel was to drive with care.
‘‘Stay alive on State Highway
25’’, Kelly tells motorists.