Tasman New Years eve

New Year celebrations in the Buller area went without any great problems.

This was a complete turn around to previous years, especially in the vicinity of the clock in Westport.

Police praised the overall behaviour and general attitude of locals and visitors attending venues which made the seeing in of the New Year a pleasure.

As a result of the council imposed liquor ban for the town area, and vigorous action taken by Police against by those few individuals of all ages breaching the ban, there was not the usual damage and disorder.

Overnight there were only three arrests for the Buller area and these were all in Westport.

Prior to midnight a 18 year old Westport youth, now residing in Christchurch, was arrested for disorderly behaviour after throwing a bottle from a vehicle.

After midnight two locals were arrested, one a 17 female for breaching the liquor ban after she refused to hand over her alcohol.

The other was a 19 male also for breaching the liquor ban when he walked in to the Police Station drinking alcohol. When searched he was found with an amount of drugs and has also been charged for that.

No serious incidents have been reported from the Phat 08 Dance party which is being held near Inangahua Junction