Wairarapa Police Boost Holiday Staffing for Safe New Year Celebrations

Wairarapa Police have increased staffing levels during the holiday season to enhance public safety as people prepare to celebrate the New Year. This decision comes in response to reports of rising antisocial behaviour at popular locations such as Riversdale Beach during the recent Labour Weekend.

Enhanced Policing Measures

The additional police presence aims to ensure that celebrations are safe for everyone. Inspector Paul Hamlyn, the acting Wairarapa Area Commander, acknowledged the influx of visitors to the area for New Year festivities. “Police will have extra staff in the region over the holiday period to ensure that people can celebrate accordingly, but also ensuring the safety of everybody there,” he stated.

Hamlyn emphasized the importance of responsible behaviour, urging those who plan to drink to avoid driving. He also reminded the public of the temporary alcohol ban currently in effect at Riversdale Beach and Castlepoint, which will remain until the morning of January 1, 2024.

Concerns over recent incidents of antisocial behaviour have prompted the police to encourage the community to report any suspicious or illegal activities. “We are aware of a small number of antisocial behaviour incidents in the area in recent months,” Hamlyn added. “People should continue to contact police if they see anything concerning.”

Community Support and Safety Measures

Bex Johnson, the mayor of Masterton, expressed her gratitude to local police for their ongoing efforts to maintain safety in the community. “I’d like to acknowledge and thank our local police for the great work they do to keep our community safe,” she said. Johnson also reminded parents to monitor their teenagers during the New Year celebrations and ensure they are in safe environments.

The Masterton District Council has implemented public safety measures, including road closures and alcohol-free zones, to facilitate a secure environment for beachgoers. These restrictions will be in place until 6:00 AM on New Year’s Day. Residents and visitors within the closed-off areas may be required to provide proof of address to access their properties.

In early December, the council adopted an alcohol bylaw following feedback from the community regarding alcohol-related disturbances during the Labour Weekend. A report indicated that incidents included damage to property by inebriated individuals. The council plans to conduct a comprehensive review in 2026 to evaluate the effectiveness of the current regulations in addressing alcohol-related issues.

The report noted that police had both responded to incidents during Labour Weekend and engaged with residents and local officials, including Mayor Johnson, to discuss future enforcement strategies. As part of the upcoming bylaw review, community input will be sought on experiences of alcohol-related crime and disorder during holiday periods.

Residents will also have the opportunity to express their views on potentially establishing permanent alcohol-free zones in these areas, which would provide clarity for law enforcement and streamline administrative processes for the council.

As the holiday approaches, Hamlyn advised the public to call 111 for urgent matters or 105 to report incidents after they occur, reinforcing the police’s commitment to community safety.