Hooligans absent from revels

GLENN McLEAN glenn.mclean@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Tuesday, 01 January 2008

Police are praising the behaviour of New Year's Eve revellers in Taranaki after a night free of the usual hooliganism.


Senior Sergeant Robbie O'Keefe said police made just eight arrests in New Plymouth for minor assaults and breaches of the liquor ban.

"The last couple of years have been generally quiet," he said, pointing out the city's liquor ban as the major reason for the improvement.

"It's made it a far more enjoyable place to be for everyone on New Year's Eve."

Urenui Beach, the scene of trouble last year when four young men were hospitalised after being assaulted, was also quiet, with just three arrests.

"Overall there were very few problems with a good crowd out there," Mr O'Keefe said.

Urenui Beach Camp manager Teresa Hayston said there were plenty of revellers enjoying themselves, with the only problem a few minor fights between teenagers.

"Everyone was really well behaved," she said. "There was a smaller crowd out here this year and no one hung around late being a pain or anything."

The 1500 at Butler's Reef, Oakura, to see iconic Kiwi band Supergroove were also well behaved.

Police reported few problems in Stratford and South Taranaki, with only a handful of arrests for minor offences.

A small number of drunk drivers were caught by police.