Deputy Mayor: more Wānaka resources needed to stop out of town violence

Queenstown Lakes Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith says that more resources may be needed to extend successful Wānaka new years eve safety measures further into the holiday period.

Speaking to Crux in the wake of a mass fight involving 300 young people last night at the town's central Dinosaur Park Mr Smith blamed out of town people for the trouble, in particular parents staying at holiday homes and visiting from Christchurch, Timaru and Dunedin.

"In a way the trouble last night proves how effective the various safety measures were on new years eve. But now we'll have to consider how we can keep the same level of security deeper into the holiday period."

Mr Smith said that he understood various school rivalries could be part of the trouble last night.

Police would not comment on the suggestion of an increased presence being needed further into the holiday period or how many extra police were involved.

Police were called to Dinosaur Park around midnight after a report of about 300 young people gathered there and multiple fights breaking out.

At least three serious assaults were reported, involving young people being knocked unconscious, along with numerous other more minor assaults.

Acting District Commander Inspector Matt Scoles says it was disappointing that many of those present appeared to have been supplied alcohol.

“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.

"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.”