KEY POINTS:
A mob of drunk teenagers has been terrorising campers at a popular Taranaki beach.
The incident happened early yesterday morning after a black Subaru arrived with four men and three women inside.
The group took exception when asked to leave and a text message was sent out to rally other teens. The mob grew to about 20.
Camp ground lessee Craig Russell was punched in the head and said the youths were drunk and had just left a local party.
"They kicked a couple of wheelie bins over, full of bottles. They started throwing bottles everywhere. One guy picked up a big rock and threatened to smash my head in," he told the Taranaki Daily News.
"My main concern was to stop them getting into the camp. We have some very good people staying here, a lot of kids, and I didn't want their holidays ruined."
Mr Russell and three campers held the teenagers off until police arrived.
A 16-year-old was charged with assault and disorderly behaviour.
Three others were being interviewed and were likely to be charged.
The South Taranaki District Council, which owns the camp, had organised night security patrols for the next week.
More than 500 people have been staying at the camp.
Constable Danny Giles said it was an isolated incident.
"We know who these guys are and we will catch them all. There has been talk around the camp of possible retribution but that will not happen. We do not expect any further problems."
- NZPA
