Mardi Gras 2012

Overall police are impressed with the behaviour at the 2012 Ohakune Mardi Gras.

Out of about 6000 people, police made 20 arrests.  Most were for breach of the liquor ban, although there were 2 assaults police, 2 disorderly behaviour and fighting.

One person was apprehended for supplying a class b controlled drug.  He was stopped at an alcohol check point and tried to evade police.  Following a short pursuit he was caught with about 30 ecstasy tablets. Further investigation showed intent to supply.  He will be appearing in court 25th June 2012.

During the weekend, there were 14 people processed for driving with excess breath alcohol.  Of this number 8 were caught on the Sunday morning between 8am and 12pm. Clearly people are not allowing sufficient time for the alcohol to leave their systems before travelling.

The security staff at Mardi Gras did a very good job. Approximately 100 people were refused entry to the event due to pre-loading alcohol and being to intoxicated.

A further 28 people were evicted due to their behaviour at the event.

There are still people who don't get the message though.  Police caught a 16 year old girl in breach of the liquor ban as she was in possession of vodka.  She had come to Ohakune with her mother for the Mardi Gras.  Her mother gave her vodka to drink at their motel before allowing the girl to wander the streets.  When police returned the girl to her mother, she could not see that she had done anything wrong and criticised police for their actions.