Nang users are causing distress for Tihiotonga residents in Rotorua. Photo / Kelly Makiha
Tihiotonga residents in Rotorua say they are fed up with people doing nangs in their cars, “dancing and yahooing” in the street, littering and ruining their “lovely” neighbourhood.
They say their area, which overlooks the city of Rotorua, has always been “a bit of a park-up spot for sex”, but has now turned into a meet-up point for nang and drug users and disrespectful partiers.
Residents say people are parking on the footpath under large trees at the top of Mokoia Drive or further down the hill off Mokoia Dr in the Centennial Park (Rotorua Tree Trust) carpark.
They can be seen in their cars “doing nangs” and using balloons to inhale nitrous oxide.
Users get a short-lived high from inhaling the gas from cannisters, known as nangs.
The gas cannisters are sold legally and have legitimate medical uses, and are also used in catering to whip cream. However, it is illegal to supply, possess or use the gas recreationally.
The practice is dangerous. Risks include long-term chronic harm, including permanent brain damage or nerve damage.
Nangs have been a major issue in other parts of the country, including Hawke’s Bay, where community leaders held a crisis meeting in late January.
The Rotorua Daily Post spoke with four Tihiotonga residents, none of whom wanted to be identified for fear of retribution, who were growing fearful about the antics of nang users.
One man has complained to the Rotorua Lakes Council.
He said he first raised concerns about the Centennial Park carpark lighting about five years ago.
He said the undesirables attracted to the area this summer were now “out of control” and he had spent the past few months regularly calling the council to get action.
The man said the people in cars gathered mostly after dark.
He asked the council if bollards could be installed at the top of Mokoia Dr to stop it from being used as a parking spot.
He drove past the area often and said he once saw people inside a car blowing up three massive balloons.
“You could barely see the people in there. They get wasted, and then they drive off. Some days, there are up to 30 cannisters biffed on the ground.
“They’re not even brainy, they get wasted and chuck all the evidence out the window, they are that arrogant.”
The man said he sympathised with the police because they were catching “real criminals” and these people were “just pests”, but the consequences of their actions were “devastating” to the locals.
He said some people slept in their cars at the Centennial Park carpark.
“The cars are rough, and there are some shady characters in there. They’re not there to eat their lunch.”
Another resident feared the actions of those high on nangs as they often drove off immediately after.
“They’re driving down the road smashed on that stuff, blowing up their balloons and looking silly as chooks.”
A resident said the nang users got high and danced in the middle of the road in the early hours.
“It’s the thud, thud of the music for me.”
The resident said they chose to live in the suburb because of the view.
“It’s paradise here, but they spoil it. I think they’re attracted to the view, but they come rain, hail or snow, and on those days you can’t see anything.”
Another resident said the culprits left a lot of rubbish behind.
“They are blowing up their balloons, drinking and yahooing in the street at 2 and 3am,” she said.
“It’s always been a park-up spot for sex, I suppose, but we have got a lovely area, and we want to keep it a lovely area.”
Council community experience group manager Alex Wilson said the council had received multiple calls from one resident and was contacted by a second resident this week.
Wilson acknowledged the behaviour of those congregating was concerning.
She said the council had taken several actions during recent years to try to make the area less desirable for criminal activity.
Council action so far included installing bollards in Centennial Reserve to prevent access and vehicle damage and closing a mid-point internal gate.
The council had also reduced the time the main vehicle access gates to Centennial Park were open each day.
Wilson said the council notified police of issues and engaged community patrollers, as the council staff patrols did not extend to that area.
She said the council would soon install lighting at the Centennial Park carpark.
“We agree this type of criminal behaviour in our neighbourhoods is not acceptable.”
She advised residents to contact the police with concerns.
Rotorua police area commander Inspector Herby Ngawhika said the use of nangs was happening more frequently had featured in recent accidents.
He said police used CCTV footage and supplied footage to make arrests.
He said there was criminal responsibility if it could be proven that the gas was used, but having nitrous oxide was not in itself illegal.
“We are a bit hamstrung until the powers that be make it illegal.”
He urged residents to ring the police as often as possible to log issues and ensure a response.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.