- Police responded to a disorder in Wanaka involving 300 teens and several assaults.
- Alcohol consumption by underage teens led to multiple incidents, including serious assaults.
- Parents are encouraged to supervise teens and ensure their safety during holiday festivities.
Otago Lakes Area Police have issued a strong plea to parents after a large disorder involving around 300 young people erupted in Wanaka last night. Emergency services were called to Dinosaur Park around midnight, where multiple fights had broken out among the group.
The chaotic scene included at least three serious assaults, with some young people knocked unconscious. Numerous minor assaults were also reported during the disorder.
Acting District Commander Inspector Matt Scoles expressed concern about the widespread presence of alcohol at the gathering. “We know it’s a time of year where lots of people are out celebrating and having a good time. But we need parents to make sure their young people are acting responsibly, knowing where they are and what they are doing,” he said.
Inspector Scoles emphasised the dangers of underage drinking and unsupervised gatherings. “I’m sure many parents would have been horrified to learn their teens had been putting themselves in danger, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and engaging in violent altercations. It’s extremely dangerous for all involved when we have young people drinking under the legal age and gathering en masse without any supervision.”
Many of the young people involved in the disorder were from families holidaying in Wanaka, Inspector Scoles noted. He urged parents to remain vigilant and ensure their teens stay safe during their time away from home.
“Please, keep track of your kids, and have a plan with them around how everyone is going to stay safe. We don’t want to be knocking on your door at 2am telling you something serious has happened involving your teenager,” he said.