NZ Police Crackdown on Outdoor Events: Misinformation or Justified Oversight?

By Chris Schulz*

A clash brews between New Zealand Police and outdoor festival promoters over alcohol control and the conduct of large events. Police claim alcohol abuse and violence are rampant at outdoor festivals, prompting stringent measures and opposition to festival licenses. Promoters, however, insist these claims are exaggerated and argue that unfair policing jeopardizes their livelihoods and public trust.

Alex Turnbull’s 15-Year Battle

Alex Turnbull, who has hosted the Rhythm & Alps festival for 15 years, has seen firsthand the increasing tension between police and event organizers. Despite his festival’s impeccable safety record, with only six to seven arrests in over a decade, Turnbull faced an uphill battle during a District Licensing Committee hearing in late 2023.

At the hearing, police and health authorities opposed Turnbull’s request to sell patrons four alcoholic drinks at a time. Turnbull strenuously argues that this restriction would cripple the festival’s profitability, making it virtually impossible to run.

Industry-Wide Opposition

Turnbull’s experience is part of a broader trend. Multiple festival promoters report that police frequently oppose liquor licenses or impose stringent alcohol sales restrictions, often resulting in large police presences at events. These actions allegedly target not only large-scale music festivals but also smaller shows, from dub and reggae events to dance parties.

The police spokesperson contends that opposition to event licenses is aimed at mitigating risk at these high-profile gatherings. Promoters argue, however, that with clear safety procedures in place, the need for such heavy-handed policing is overstated.

High Stakes for Promoters

The Lancashire Festiasco, designed to be a nostalgic hip-hop celebration, faced cancellation. Police opposition to the liquor license application cited excessive alcohol consumption, gang activity, and fights at the event in previous years. This cancellation ripples through the promoter’s calendar, affecting four other festival shows that rely on the same venues.

Similarly, Laneway Fest canceled entry for attendees aged 16 to 18 after selling tickets. Police opposed the liquor license due to concerns over intoxicated attendees, despite no arrests being made and only eleven people needing medical attention.

Laneway was forced to cancel entry to under-18s at its 2025 event, despite already selling tickets to people aged 16 and 17.
Photo: Chris Schulz, Supplied

David Benge, managing director of TEG Live, underscores the financial toll these restrictions take, pointing out that bar sales are often the primary profit source for outdoor events.

Overzealous Police Presence

Summer Haze, a Tauranga festival, exemplifies the issue. At least 18 police officers patrolled the domain for an entire evening, despite minimal crowd issues. Benge questioned the necessity of such a large police contingent, arguing it deters attendees and muddles the festival atmosphere.

Benge notes, “We had zero issues. The police presence created an intimidating atmosphere even when fans were simply celebrating. It’s a concerning disconnect between safety measures and public perception.”

Police gather at Summer Haze in Tauranga.
Photo: Chris Schulz, Supplied

The police spokesperson maintains that a larger police presence is necessary for “preventive measures” and to “monitor alcohol compliance.” However, promoters counter that such actions are counterproductive, undermining public confidence and profitability.

Challenging the Police Stance

Elaine Linnell, general manager of the Events Association, echoes the frustrations shared among festival organizers. She highlights inconsistent interpretations of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, leading to conflicting policies across New Zealand.

Linnell and her team propose an assessment tool for promoters to self-regulate and manage risks proactively. However, as of now, the proposal remains in limbo, with no response from the government.

Stuart Clumpus, a veteran promoter with over four decades of experience, questions the logic behind punitive policing at summer music events. He suggests that tight controls on alcohol sales might paradoxically encourage heavy drinking by increasing wait times. Clumpus argues that addressing alcohol abuse at large events is an ineffectual strategy, pointing to prohibitive drink prices making excessive consumption less likely.

Police Insights

When the police spokesperson was asked to provide statistics backing their claims of high intoxication levels, disorder, and sexual assaults at summer music events, they provided anecdotal evidence. Promoters dismiss these claims as misinformation, citing their own data, including reports from venues and St John Ambulance, which suggest declining intoxication rates.

The spokesperson further mentioned hidden incidents known only to police, emphasizing the need for proactive presence. However, promoters demand transparent data and official reporting rather than anecdotal evidence.

Promoters’ Perspective

Turnbull and other promoters argue that collaboration, rather than confrontation, is key. They stress their commitment to public safety and the importance of reviewing individual event conditions, rather than applying blanket measures.

Benge notes that leveraging the police’s experience for specific, actionable roles could lead to better outcomes, suggesting that widespread policing at events may alienate fans and performers alike.

Clumpus suggests that events like All Blacks or Black Caps matches occur without comparable opposition and restrictions, indicating disparities in policing strategies.

Future Outlook

Turnbull worries about the long-term impact of escalating tensions. He fears that few events will survive the current climate, leading to more youth-related issues in these热点 areas. “If these New Year’s festivals don’t go ahead, we’ll have a significant number of kids in the streets causing trouble, which could exacerbate public safety concerns,” Turnbull warns.

As the debate continues, the key remains communication and collaboration between police and event organizers. Promoters advocate for more transparent data, evidence-based regulations, and a shift towards innovative self-regulation models.

* Chris Schulz is a freelance entertainment journalist and the editor of the industry newsletter Boiler Room.

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