Waikato Police: Parents Urged to Keep Track of Children During New Year’s Festivities
Waikato police expressed their concern over the lack of parental supervision during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, urging parents to be more vigilant about their children’s whereabouts. Inspector Mike Henwood, the area commander for Waikato East, highlighted the need for parents to know where their children are, especially during festive events like New Year’s Eve.
Police Efforts and Concerns
Henwood emphasized that while the crowds at Coromandel’s holiday hotspots were generally well-behaved, some parents displayed a careless attitude towards providing their children with alcohol simply because it was New Year’s Eve. He noted instances where police had to arrest intoxicated teenagers, only to find out that their parents were unaware of their activities or whereabouts.
More than 2000 teenagers gathered at Whangamata before midnight, and while the overall behavior was positive, there were still a few arrests for liquor ban breaches, mainly related to fighting and disorderly conduct. Despite the slight decrease in arrests compared to previous years, the police highlighted the need for increased parental responsibility.
Incident in Thames
The otherwise peaceful New Year’s Eve in Coromandel was marred by a disturbing incident on Rolleston Street in Thames, where a large group of individuals engaged in a fight around 12:30 am. One person reportedly threatened to introduce a firearm into the altercation, prompting armed police to intervene swiftly as a precautionary measure. The situation was brought under control, with the individual in question taken into custody without any serious injuries reported.
Summary of Other Holiday Hotspots
In Northland, Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston reported minor disturbances due to excessive alcohol consumption in Paihia, although the overall number of arrests was significantly lower than in previous years. Most celebrants exhibited good behavior, with only a few individuals requiring temporary detention for a “cooling-off period.” Additionally, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of spectators at the midnight fireworks display compared to the previous year.
Overall, law enforcement efforts during the New Year’s Eve festivities aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially children and teenagers. The incidents highlighted the importance of parental supervision and responsible behavior during celebratory events to prevent any untoward incidents or accidents. Let’s all strive to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone during future festivities.