Paihia is 'party central'

There is virtually no accommodation left in Paihia thanks to the estimated 20,000 people visiting the area for tonight's celebrations.

At the Bay of Islands holiday park a team of security guards has been hired to protect what is expected to be a full house.

Manager Dianne Kesley says the lack of an organised concert in the area has not put people off.

Extra police have also been brought into Paihia to enforce the liquor ban and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Police have also enlisted the help of a shipping container to keep Paihia under control tonight.

The container has had bars fitted to form a temporary cell.

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Meanwhile, there's been a warning for those planning on taking herbal highs tonight.

Matt Bowden of the Social Tonics Association says party pill consumption tends to increase over the summer months.

He says people need to decide at the start of the night whether to use legal highs or drink alcohol.

Mr Bowden says people should not do both.

He says just because it is New Years Eve it doesn't mean people are bulletproof.

Recent studies show people have suffered seizures and life threatening toxic illness from overdosing and misusing the party pills.

- NEWSTALK ZB