Challenging year farewelled
SEVEN people were arrested across the region as the South farewelled a very different and challenging year.
Police said those ushering in 2021 were generally wellbehaved, although in Wanaka underage drinking was ‘‘prolific’’ and alcohol appeared to have been supplied by parents.
A blast from the Robbie Burns cannon as the clock struck midnight marked the arrival of 2021 in Dunedin.
About 5000 people packed into the Octagon for the countdown, cheering as fireworks finally erupted from the roof of the Civic Centre.
Acting Sergeant Bryce Johnson said two people were arrested for drunken behaviour following the festivities, including a man who was threatening security staff at McDonald's in George St about 4am. He was later released with a formal warning.
Shortly after, another man was arrested and received a warning for disorderly behaviour after he punched in windows of his own car and was aggressive towards police.
Two people would appear in the Dunedin District Court for drinkdriving, one driver recording a breathalcohol level of 600mcg, more than double the limit, at 11.45pm, and a 26yearold woman recording 768mcg, about three times the limit, at 8am on New Year’s Day, Sgt Johnson said.
Her licence was suspended for 28 days.
People in Dunedin were otherwise celebrating responsibly, likely kept calm by the weather, he said.
In Wanaka, five people were arrested — three for disorder, one for drugrelated offending and one on an arrest warrant.
Police said they were generally pleased with the behaviour of revellers, with larger groups of youths than in previous years.
Several youths had been seen drinking alcohol unsupervised during the week and there had been a ‘‘significant amount’’ of property damage.
Area response manager Senior
Sergeant Miriam Chittenden described underage drinking as ‘‘prolific’’ and said the alcohol appeared to have been supplied by parents, which was very disappointing.
Police attending the annual Rhythm & Alps threeday musical festival in the Cardrona Valley reported no major incidents.
Meanwhile, thousands of people saw in the new year in downtown Queenstown with live music, barhopping and, finally, a big fireworks display launched on the stroke of midnight from barges in Queenstown Bay.
The crowd was smaller on the waterfront than in previous years, presumably because of Covid19.
The showers stayed away and central Queenstown earlier basked in a golden evening.
Those celebrating in Te Anau were treated to the best fireworks display the event had ever had.
Fiordland Rotary Club New Year’s Eve coordinator Shayne Mercer said that was due to increased sponsorship and a new supplier.
Hundreds of revellers congregated at Lions Park to dance to live music and enjoy carnival rides and a giant bonfire, before the countdown to the new year began.
In Oamaru, the Party at the Harbour lived up to its name, as locals and tourists alike got together for a good time.
By 10pm, an estimated 700 people had flooded in as the clouds cleared away.
Music by local band Johnny and the Cashtones bounced off the surrounding white stone buildings, as teens left the area to avoid watching their parents dance.
It was the second year the council has held Party at the Harbour, and there are plans to make it an annual event.
A police spokeswoman said, in regards to unruly behaviour, it was all ‘‘pretty quiet’’ across the majority of Otago and Southland.
Across the South revellers farewelled the unprecedented year that was 2020, and welcomed in 2021 with a party. Between Dunedin, Central Otago, Oamaru and Invercargill, fireworks lit up the sky at midnight and festivalgoers danced into the new year.