Henwood said repeated instructions given over a loudhailer to leave the park were ignored by those gathered, forcing officers to intervene and move the crowd on. In nearby Pāuanui, police encountered another large group of about 300 youth near the Surf Club Reserve. While officers were arresting a person for lighting fireworks in a dangerous manner, a number of those present became physically obstructive, further escalating the situation. Seven youths were arrested in Whangamatā and one in Pāuanui. “Not only does this behaviour put my team at risk – it also puts other attending youth at risk.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 02, 2026 00:58 UTC