Police have arrested more than 200 people at holiday spots since Friday, and are bracing for more unruly behaviour in New Year's Eve celebrations tonight.
Among those arrested were 40 people in Taupo on Monday night for breaches of the town's liquor ban.
Waikato area police said yesterday disorderly behaviour would not be tolerated at New Year celebrations.
Extra police were yesterday moving to the region's traditional New Year's Eve hot spots in anticipation of more trouble when festivities hit top gear tonight.
About 190 people have been arrested at various locations on the Coromandel Peninsula.
In the popular beach town of Whangamata, police have arrested more than 120 people since Friday as the number of young people in the town continues to grow.
In the worst incident, 13 people were arrested for breaching the peace early on Monday after an all-night party in a reserve turned ugly.
About 1000 people gathered at the club and bottles and abuse were thrown at about 30 police officers - some in riot gear - as they were dispersed.
Trouble continued when about 30 youths moved from the party to Ocean Rd.
The situation was brought under control by 2.30am.
Acting Inspector John Kelly said outbreaks of street disorder were common at Whangamata over the New Year period.
Further north on the Coromandel Peninsula, 17 people have been arrested at Pauanui for liquor ban breaches and a further two have been arrested in Whitianga.
Whangamata has more than 40 police stationed there for the holiday period and that number was being further boosted yesterday for New Year's Eve.
Taupo police numbers are being boosted by about 90 officers over New Year.
"While we want people to be able to enjoy themselves, we also want to make it crystal clear that there will be a continued high police presence in this town for some time," Mr Kelly said. "It is unfortunate that some people come to Whangamata just to cause trouble."
Last year, police arrested more than 600 people in Whangamata over the Christmas-New Year period for liquor ban breaches.
The ban will remain in force on the Coromandel Peninsula until January 6.
It prohibits alcohol in public places, including roads, parks, beaches and public car parks.
In Taupo, the liquor ban was extended this year from one day to seven and remains in force until January 4.
"Anyone who causes trouble will be arrested and dealt with. It's as simple as that," Mr Kelly said.
- NZPA
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