Police said a large crowd of youths congregated at Williamson Park in Whangamatā and had to be forcibly moved on. Officers were doing foot patrols in the area around 10.30pm when the bottles were allegedly thrown, hitting one member of the police. "Not only does this behaviour put my team at risk - it also puts other attending youth at risk," Henwood said. "It is disappointing that after a good night, it is then ruined by intoxicated youth in denial that New Year's is over. Seven youths were arrested in Whangamatā and another in Pauanui.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 02, 2026 09:33 UTC