A widespread, temporary liquor ban has kicked in throughout the Gisborne area ahead of New Year's Eve.
The liquor ban includes rural areas around the Rhythm and Vines festival. Photo: The Wireless / Kate Robertson
The restrictions lasting until the first of January include rural areas around the location of the infamously rowdy music festival, Rhythm and Vines.
Gisborne District mayor Rehette Stoltz said the council, with the support of the police, introduced the temporary bans a number of years ago.
She said the council has been contacted by a number locals who were concerned about groups of festival goers drinking in cars in rural areas.
"Twenty, or 30, or 50 young people in cars, just sitting next to the road, pre-loading and then leaving bottles behind. It was an unpleasant experience living in that area close to RnV."
Stoltz said the police are the organisation leading the restrictions at the end of the day, and officers guide festival goers to areas where they can drink and party.
She said festival goers are encouraged to have fun, but be safe while doing so.
"At the end of the day, the police are just trying to keep the young ones safe. We do want them to have the best time ever here in Gisborne.