Police seek end of Queenstown beachfront 'orphans' Christmas party'
Thousands of migrant workers and visitors have partied on the waterfront in the centre of Queenstown throughout Christmas Day and into the night in recent years.
The 2017 and 2018 events were notable for high levels of “extreme intoxication”, with some people unable to look after themselves, police have said. Heavy rain in 2019 kept the partygoers away.
Now police have asked the council to declare a temporary alcohol restriction area in the Queenstown and Wānaka CBDs on Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 6am. The 48-hour ban will precede restrictions that come into force from 6am on December 27 and run until January 6.
What do you think? Is it a bit of harmless fun, or do the parties need to be more controlled? Read the full story here and tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
-
9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
-
43.5% I want to be able to choose.
-
47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
