Many opt for bed, not drizzly dawn

By Josie Clarke

WHANGAMATA - Whangamata ushered in the New Year quietly with most revellers opting to sleep instead of braving unseasonal weather to watch the dawn.

Small groups of people ignored heavy rain and overcast skies and gathered on local beaches in the hope that the sun would break through.

But most of the young people who had made it back to camping grounds and backyards in the small hours opted to sleep.

Inspector Steve Christian said large numbers of young people were in town but no arrests were made overnight on January 1.

A small contingent of police remained in town until last night. The town-wide liquor ban imposed on Wednesday was due to end today. Mr Christian said a family atmosphere had taken over the town.

"The town is still busy but there are none of the potential problems there were on New Year's Eve.

"We are very pleased with how the police operation went. We are especially pleased for the people of Whangamata, who have seen a New Year go by without any problems."

Detective Paul Mackey of Waihi said New Year's Eve was the quietest - and coldest - Waihi had seen in the 10 years he had been there.

"There were just as many people, but they seemed to congregate at one or two parties at homes."

Revellers at Coromandel were well-behaved, and local police said they were surprised at how well motorists were driving on busy roads.