For this highly intoxicated young reveller, the loss of his jeans was the least of his worries. He ended his New Years Eve early and in the back of an ambulance. Photo/file
For this highly intoxicated young reveller, the loss of his jeans was the least of his worries. He ended his New Years Eve early and in the back of an ambulance. Photo/file
Opinion by Amy Wiggins
Amy Wiggins is the New Zealand Herald's education reporter.
The new year seemed to be welcomed in a sensible but celebratory style by most over the weekend.
That's exactly the way it should be.
Police around the country reported a relatively quiet night, with those in the Western Bay saying they made the fewest arrests they ever had ona New Year's Eve.
This time of the year is a chance to celebrate the year that was and welcome in a new year which brings new possibilities and opportunities.
There's no need for the drunkenness which seems to go hand-in-hand with New Year's Eve. All too often it only ends in assaults, fights and arrests which put a damper on the evening for all those involved.
Just maybe that is starting to change, based on last night's events. I hope it is.
I'm not really one for new year's resolutions (why wait until then to make a change?) but perhaps as a nation we could resolve to teach our children and teenagers to drink sensibly and responsibly.
In doing that perhaps the older generations will reassess their drinking habits and make some changes for the better too.
Our reputation for binge drinking is not one we should be proud of.
It's not going to change overnight but we can begin to do something about it.