Police welcome New Year revellers to Kinloch, urge responsibility amid liquor ban

A map showing where the alcohol ban areas are. Photo / Bay of Plenty & Taupō Police Facebook

Taupō police are preparing to welcome the thousands of visitors to Kinloch for New Year celebrations, but have urged partygoers to keep safety, community respect and alcohol responsibilities front of mind.

A 24‑hour liquor ban is in force until January 4.

The ban covers the designated Kinloch area (see map above), with anyone caught breaching it facing a $250 instant fine or possible arrest, police warned in a post on Facebook.

Police were also reminding parents and caregivers that supplying alcohol to young people came with legal and practical responsibilities.

That included:

• Supervising alcohol consumption
• Providing food
• Offering low‑ or non‑alcoholic drink options
• Ensuring young people have safe transport plans
• Considering the young person’s age, the strength and amount of alcohol, and the nature and duration of the event

Detective Chris Whitworth said officers want people to enjoy their New Year festivities – but not at the expense of safety.

“We want everyone to have a blast when they see in the New Year. If you’re here to party, just respect the liquor ban and make sure you and your friends or children are safe.

“To the parents and caregivers, please do not encourage young people to leave your properties with alcohol. Any young person found in possession of alcohol, inside or outside the liquor ban area, will have it confiscated and disposed of.”

Whitworth said police won’t hesitate to act if behaviour crosses the line.

“We want everyone to enjoy their time here, but antisocial behaviour won’t be tolerated. We ask all revellers to respect the property of others and the wider community.

“If everyone keeps to the rules, we’ll all have a great start to 2026.”