MT MAUNGANUI - Hypothermia was the greatest threat for many lightly clad young people who gathered at Mt Maunganui for New Year's Eve celebrations.
Mt Maunganui Surf Club members and St John Ambulance officers treated several people for early stages of hypothermia, said Senior Sergeant Ray Johnstone of Tauranga.
"Theweather drove them inside and a lot of the younger people in light clothing really felt the harshness of the elements with the wind coming off the sea and the temperature drop in the rain," he said.
Police reported one of the most well-behaved crowds in memory at the holiday spot, a fact put down to the lousy weather which served to dampen the mood, quell youthful high jinks and keep disorder to a minimum.
Despite the weather, about 30,000 people turned out to welcome the New Year at the local millennium concert.
By midnight only 17 arrests had been made, which had increased to 49 by 4 am. That compared well with last year's total of 160 arrests by 2 am.
Senior Sergeant Duncan MacLeod of Mt Maunganui said police strictly enforced the ban on alcohol outdoors and very little alcohol appeared to get through the police cordons.
He said the mainly young crowd were simply out to enjoy themselves without getting into trouble.
"The officers are saying they haven't seen a crowd like this in years."
The arrests made were for a range of offences including breach of the alcohol ban, assault, fighting, intentional damage, resisting arrest and pushing and shoving police officers.
"I am rapt with the way the night has gone, Said Senior Sergeant MacLeod. "The only disappointment is that it was so wet and cold for the out-of-towners."
