Quiet night for New Year celebrations

Revellers celebrating New Year and the start of a new decade in New Zealand behaved themselves last night.

In contrast with some recent years the partying appeared not to get out of hand and a very visible police presence everywhere and liquor bans contributed.

A check with police at 3am in major resorts and normal trouble spots in both North and South Islands showed no major problems.

Auckland police monitoring places such as Whangamata and Mt Maunganui via reports from officers on the beat said there had been no significant incidents.

"We've had some arrests for disorderly behaviour and so on but it's been run-of-the-mill and reasonably quiet - steady, really," Inspector John Alofa told NZPA.

Wanaka, hit by alcohol-fuelled disturbances in recent years, was extraordinarily quiet with a total of just four arrests for minor offences.

"It's been a fantastic night," said Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell. "We're delighted with the way it's gone."

Crowds packed on to the lake front at Wanaka watched fireworks at midnight and listened to bands from 8.30p until 1am and left quietly when it was all over.

In Nelson several thousand young people partied in Maitai Valley motor camp - no one over 30 is allowed - and the drinking began early in the day.

Detective Inspector John Winter said a couple of people were thrown out of the camp ground for poor behaviour but that was it.

About 20 arrests were made in Nelson's CBD for disorderly behaviour, fighting and assault.

"But in general it's gone well and people have been pretty good."

Wellington Inspector Mike Coleman said crowds had been well-behaved at events in Civic Square.

"It was pretty quiet up to midnight but livened up post 2am after young people moved to bars and restaurants.

"But there have been no major problems," he said.

Arrests were generally for disorderly behaviour and drunkeness.

Thousands packed into Cathedral Square for music and fireworks, and many did likewise in downtown Auckland.

Rain dampened celebrations in Dunedin.

- NZPA