New Year safer thanks to booze bans

One man died, another was left critically injured and others were stabbed in New Year's Eve incidents, but police say alcohol bans may have averted violence at traditional troublespots.

Numerous arrests were made nationwide, mostly for breaches of the alcohol bans rather than for drunken violence.

In Wellington, a 21-year-old man died after two men fell 15m down a bank in the suburb of Brooklyn. The other man was critically ill.

On the Coromandel Peninsula, one person was taken to hospital in Auckland in the Westpac rescue helicopter after being stabbed at a campground. The victim had serious injuries but they were not thought to be life-threatening.

Another person was taken by ambulance to a medical centre for treatment to an ear injury.

In another Wellington incident, police said a man was stabbed three times in the chest as he walked in the central city about 1am. He was reported to be seriously ill in Wellington Hospital.

At Wairarapa's Lake Ferry, a man was stabbed in the neck and groin. He was flown to Wellington Hospital..

Inspector Kerry Watson, of the Auckland-based police northern communications centre, said it was "quite a busy night".

One of the worst areas was at the Waikato township of Kawhia on the west coast, where about 100 youths were reported for fighting.

The brawl began at the Kawhia Hotel about 1.40am and an off-duty policeman who tried to stop the fight was attacked with a bottle. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

Waikato police said alcohol bans at various traditional troublespots produced a relatively trouble-free New Year's Eve.

At Whangamata, more than 300 people were arrested, but Senior Sergeant Ross Adern said he was pleased with the general behaviour of revellers.

"The town has been quiet all week and we are pleased that there was no major trouble," he said.

At Mt Maunganui, police made 80 arrests and reported little aggressive behaviour.

More than 100 arrests of young drinkers in Taupo and many in Rotorua marred an otherwise festive welcome to the New Year.

Taupo Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen described the scene at the processing centre as "bedlam".

Police had made more than 100 arrests for disorderly behaviour and breaching the liquor ban.

"It's a real shame, the binge drinking habits of these young people is a real concern," Mr Jeurissen said.

"We have some 15 and 16-year-olds grossly intoxicated, incoherent and unwilling to take responsibility, whose parents were unaware they were here."

Northland police reported a generally uneventful New Year, with one senior officer saying it was the quietest he had experienced in 25 years of policing in the region.

Senior Sergeant Mike Pannett, in charge of Bay of Islands police, said the 12 arrests made there for disorderly behaviour, assault and liquor ban breaches.

"The liquor ban worked well and it was very pleasant to see families and kids on the beach on the Paihia waterfront watching the fireworks display at midnight."

Police had no significant problems at a rock concert in the Twin Pines Tavern at nearby Haruru Falls.

Two people were arrested for assault after disorder at a motor camp.

Whangarei police also reported a generally quiet time, although six young people were arrested on Saturday afternoon after fighting broke out at motor camps at Whananaki and Oakura.

In the Central Otago town of Wanaka, police said revellers enjoyed a trouble-free, family-oriented night.

Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said 55 people were arrested for a variety of street and disorder offences, mostly for breaches of the liquor ban.

- STAFF REPORTER, NZPA