Policing New Years Celebrations - Wellington City

Wellington Police had a relatively quiet start to the New Years celebrations with revelers enjoying themselves in the city area says Wellington City (Acting) Area Commander Inspector Soni Malaulau.

The weather obviously played a big part in dampening New Year celebrations with two major planned events cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

The majorities of revelers in the city were good natured and welcomed in the New Year with friends and relatives and basically enjoyed themselves having a good time in the City.

Wellington Police maintained a high visibility focus in the City and had a strong presence in the Courtney Place entertainment area with increased foot patrols and visits to liquor licensing premises.

Police made 35 arrests overnight mainly for minor drunk and disorderly offences

The emphasis was on High Visibility Policing within the City area and ensuring that those that had obviously had too much to drink were provided with advice and means to get home. It was pleasing also to see that many groups visiting the City had designated sober drivers and individuals together actively looking after each other.