Whangamatā police officer hit by bottle as 1000 youths ignore orders

An officer was hit by a bottle after police attempted to break up an unruly crowd of about 1000 youths in Whangamatā last night.

Eight youths were arrested after fireworks were fired at people and officers were physically obstructed as they tried to intervene.

Eastern Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Mike Henwood, said at about 10.30pm officers were called to Williamson Park in the Coromandel Peninsula town.

As police attempted to disperse the crowd, bottles were lobbed at the officers. One officer was hit, but was not injured.

Fireworks were also being fired into the crowd of people.

Henwood said repeated instructions given over a loudhailer to leave the park were ignored by those gathered, forcing officers to intervene and move the crowd on.

In nearby Pāuanui, police encountered another large group of about 300 youth near the Surf Club Reserve.

While officers were arresting a person for lighting fireworks in a dangerous manner, a number of those present became physically obstructive, further escalating the situation.

Seven youths were arrested in Whangamatā and one in Pāuanui.

Henwood said after relatively quiet New Year’s celebrations, this behaviour was disappointing.

“Not only does this behaviour put my team at risk – it also puts other attending youth at risk.

“New Year’s Eve heading into New Year’s morning was particularly uneventful, with most people celebrating the New Year in a safe and orderly manner.

“It is disappointing that after a good night, it is then ruined by intoxicated youth in denial that New Year’s is over.”

Henwood said police continue to urge anyone who witnesses antisocial or dangerous behaviour of any kind to make a report of the incident immediately by calling 111.

“It’s great that people want to come and enjoy our Coromandel beaches over the summer period, and we encourage everyone to celebrate the New Year – but it needs to be done in a safe and respectful manner," Henwood said.