Drink spike warning
Police have warned festival-goers drink responsibly and watch out for drink-spiking.
Two major festivals are happening in Queenstown Lakes over the holidays.
Rhythm and Alps welcomes more than 10,000 revellers to the Cardrona Valley over New Years, from December 29-31.
Then Bay Dreams Queenstown hits the Events Centre on 5 January.
Police are reminding those attending R&A to take care of themselves and their friends, be sensible and make sure everyone gets home safely.
"Keep an eye on your alcohol consumption, always eat something substantial if you are planning to drink and encourage your friends to do the same," a police spokesperson says.
"Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks you haven’t seen poured, the last thing you want is somebody tampering with your drink.
"We all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and whanau are safe this summer, so keep an eye out and report any concerns you have."
Festival-goers will be able to purchase four alcoholic drinks at one time at the upcoming Rhythm & Alps music festival.
NZ Police and the Medical Officer of Health wanted the number of drinks a patron could buy at the event at one time reduced from four to two.
But the District Licensing Committee rejected the application, citing a lack of evidence after organisers highlighted their record, showing there are very few arrests at the event.
Police say all drivers will be breath-tested as they leave the R&A event and everyone should have a plan on how to get to and from an event safely.
"During New Year we often see a peak in people driving on the roads, so be patient, keep calm, drive sober and if you are feeling tired – pull over."
They are also warning against theft.
"If you are taking a car to the festival, make sure all valuables are kept out of sight, all doors are locked, and the windows are up.
"Keep your phone, keys and wallet in a safe place that is unlikely to easily fall out of a pocket."
If you feel unsafe or have concerns about dangerous, illegal or suspicious behaviour, call Police on 111, for non-urgent concerns you can call 105 or visit www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and report the incident online.
More advice on keeping safe can be found here: www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/keeping-safe.
