Dunedin police emergency response group manager Inspector Alastair Dickie said police were out in force "targeting those who choose to cause pain and or disruption to others" this festive season.
"We will be placing a heavy focus on drink-driving and nonsense behaviour with checkpoints planned around various areas of the city," he said.
His advice for a safe and happy holiday period was to "forget about driving if you are planning to drink alcohol", keep an eye on friends "so they don't become an arrest or death statistic", and be a responsible host.
"Limit accessibility of alcohol to those who have obviously had too much. A safe means of transporting home those you have assisted in intoxicating would be admirable, if possible."
Police also dealt with many unhappy families over the holiday season, who experienced domestic violence, he said.
He encouraged people to "spare a thought for your kids and partner".
"If you feel you are going to lose the plot, count to 10 and or go for a walk and take some deep breaths."
Over indulging in alcohol, or hurting your family, and getting arrested means you and the victims will be "feeling very sad at a time when people should be happy".
"Think before you act," he said.
Mirror Services and the Salvation Army Bridge programme encouraged people to plan their parties or celebrations to ensure no-one drank too much and got hurt.
Mirror Services director Deb Fraser said "a bit of planning goes a long way to make sure everyone has a good time and no-one ends up drunk and experiencing alcohol-related harm".
"There's a few simple things we can all do, like making sure there's food, having low-alcohol and no-alcohol options and having something fun to do, so it's not all about drinking," she said.
People hosting social occasions could help guests ease up on the drink by providing substantial food early on and throughout the gathering; asking people to bring a plate to get them involved; have a range of interesting non-alcoholic options such as mocktails; plan to do something fun which is not centred on alcohol, such as sports or party games which include adults and children.
