Police praise party-goers' behaviour

A heavy police presence at popular party spots around Otago appears to have had a positive effect on New Year's Eve celebrations, with police in some areas reporting the lowest number of arrests in a decade and praising the behaviour of party-goers.

Only four people were arrested in Wanaka and Hawea, where about 60 police watched over busy camping grounds in the area, the 3500 people who packed out the Feelers concert at the Lake Hawea Hotel and thousands more who attended a family-oriented celebration and fireworks display in Wanaka.

Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said police were heartened by the "overall" mood, character and behaviour of the crowds.

It was the lowest number of arrests made during the New Year for the Upper Clutha in almost a decade, he said.

Police estimated about 10,000 peopled crammed into Dunedin's Octagon, where authorities staged a special fireworks display from the top of the Dunedin City Council building.

About $10,000 worth of fireworks were also let off from a barge in Queenstown Bay and a big fireworks display on the foreshore of Lake Wanaka delighted those gathered.

Dunedin police reported little trouble around the city.

They made 23 arrests, mainly for disorderly behaviour and liquor-ban offences, and were generally pleased with people's behaviour, Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said.

The main drawcard in Central Otago was a party in Clyde's main street, which attracted about 3000 people.

Sergeant Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, said an otherwise good night was marred only by drunk people trying to walk home towards Alexandra on State Highway 8 after the street party finished.

A street party in Naseby drew a crowd of about 1000.

Police made two arrests for drink-driving on New Year's Eve, Sgt Kerrisk said.

There was an increased police presence in the Waitaki Valley following problems at Labour Weekend, when young people ran amok at Otematata.

There were no arrests on New Year's Eve, which may have been because young people knew there would be greater police presence and zero tolerance for disorder, Waitaki community safety officer Alison Banks said.

In Queenstown, police arrested 19 people, well down on what had been expected, Senior Sergeant John Fookes said.

Most were arrested for breaching the liquor ban or detoxification.

The 10,000-strong crowd which gathered at Earnslaw Park for a concert were otherwise well-behaved, he said.

In the Clutha, events at Pounawea and Kaka Point each attracted about 300 people.

No arrests were made.