Up to 100 youths who attacked police with bottles and fence palings were gatecrashers of a birthday party that got out of hand in south Auckland early this morning, police say.
Six people were arrested as 40 officers from across the Counties Manukau district, two police dogs and the Eagle helicopter tried to control the Manurewa street brawl about 2.30am.
District shift supervisor Senior Sergeant Duncan Hall said it was believed those at the house where the party originated hadn't intended it to grow as large as it did.
Mr Hall said up to 200 people were reported to have gatecrashed the Russell Rd party before it spilled into the street, sparking 25 separate police complaints from residents in the area.
When police arrived there were reportedly up to 100 youths fighting in the street, a "large number" of which attacked officers trying to settle the crowd.