Bottles were thrown at police and fireworks dangerously let off at two large youth gatherings at holiday hotspots on the Coromandel Peninsula last night.
Police said they were called to break up large crowds of unruly youth in Whangamatā and Pauanui on Thursday as New Year's celebrations became disorderly.
Around 1000 youth congregated in Whangamatā's Williamson Park, with bottles thrown at police at around 10.30pm. One officer was hit by a flying bottle, and were not injured. Fireworks were also let off within the crowd.
After instructions for the youths to leave the park were ignored several times, officers "were forced to move the crowd on".
In nearby Pauanui, around 300 youths gathered near the Surf Club Reserve. As police were arresting a person for allegedly setting off fireworks in a dangerous manner within the crowd, a large number of youth physically obstructed their efforts.
Eastern Waikato area commander Inspector Mike Henwood called the anti-social behaviour "unacceptable".
“Not only does this behaviour put my team at risk – it also puts other attending youth at risk," he said.
“New Year's Eve heading into New Year's morning was particularly uneventful with most people celebrating the New Year in a safe and orderly manner. It is disappointing that after a good night, it was then ruined by intoxicated youth in denial that New Year's was over.”
Seven youths were arrested in Whangamatā, two as a result of the park being cleared. One was arrested in Pauanui.
Police urged anyone witnessing anti-social or dangerous behaviour to call 111 immediately.
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