Details sought....... in Bay of Plenty District

At about 11pm on New years eve Taupo Fire Service and Taupo Police were called to an incident at a Reid's Farm near Taupo. Reid's Farm is a free public camping area situated on Huka Falls Road, Taupo.

A number of youths from around the North Island had gathered to camp at the area for the night. Fuelled by alcohol, these youths lit a bonfire in the campsite. The Reid's Farm camp is currently under a fire ban.
Security at the site called the Fire Service to extinguish the fire.

When the Taupo Fire Service arrived they were greeted by a number of intoxicated youths. Some of these youths threw bottles at the arriving fire appliance. Because of this the Taupo Police were called to assist.
Prior to police arrival an altercation has then taken place between two groups of youths camping near the bonfire.

During this altercation a 20 year old woman was attacked and struck with weapons that included bottles and a knife. As a result she received a laceration to her arm and defensive injuries to her hands as well as a head injury causing concussion.

At the same time a 21 year old man was attacked by several persons and assaulted with a weapon, believed to be a wooden bat, as well as with bottles. This person received a laceration to his head and hand.

Both the victims were taken by ambulance to the Taupo Hospital and treated for these injuries.
Both injured parties came to the Taupo Police Station during the afternoon of the 1st January 2009 to complain to Police about the assault.

Taupo Police are seeking information as to the identity of the persons involved with the above assaults.
Specifically, Taupo Police are seeking information about a red two door utility vehicle and a silver/grey two door utility vehicle, both vehicles are believed to be of similar make to a Ford courier or Toyota hilux.

Police who attended at the time spoke to people at the scene. Unfortunately a number of people had moved on by the time Police arrived. Taupo Police are wanting to speak with those people. It is likely that these people will have important information that is needed to resolve this assault investigation.

A number of people present at the time were using cameras. If anyone has photographs of the incident Taupo Police are asking them to make contact to help Taupo Police identify those people who witnessed or were involved in this attack.

The Taupo Police can be contacted on 07 378 6060 twenty four hours a day.