New Year's Eve riot in Whangamatā. Video / Supplied / Jane Phare
Police in Whangamatā have today charged a 54-year-old local man with inciting disorderly behaviour after the riot last night that damaged a local cafe.
A police spokeswoman said the arrest related to live-streaming the riot involving the Blackies Cafe on social media.
It allegedly captured the man inciting disorder inwhat was already a "challenging" policing environment.
The man will appear later in Waihi District Court in respect of this charge.
"Police ask that people consider the impact that incitement of disorder on social media can have on public order and the safety of our communities," the spokeswoman said.
Bottles were also hurtled down at police by some of those who had mounted the roof.
Thames-Coromandel mayor Sandra Goudie earlier told Newstalk ZB the young people involved were nothing but "self-indulgent brats" who had been drinking at home and emerged to cause trouble later when they were "bored".
Goudie said it is was possible an event for teenagers in future may prevent similar behaviour.
"That is a good way to go, I think, because it does give them something to focus on so they can put their energy into dancing and just cruising around with their peers ...
"However, this is at odds with some of the locals where they don't want those sorts of activities there."
It became a judgment call and part of that was that they did not want to have anything that could incite violent or aggressive behaviour from these young people, she said.
"Either way, it seems to be fraught with difficulties."
Police were called after drunk teens started throwing bottles and causing damage near the Whangamata Surf Club and Blackies Cafe. Photo / Supplied
A bin was knocked over near the surf club. Photo / Supplied.
