Police send in ‘public order teams’ after increase in late-night violence

News
Crime

Author: Hawkes Bay Today,
Publish Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026, 3:25pm

Police are increasing their presence outside bars in Ahuriri with specialist public order teams, as well as frontline staff. Photo / Eastern District Police

Police are sending specialist “public order teams” to keep the peace at a popular Napier nightlife strip.

Hawke’s Bay area prevention manager Inspector Caroline Martin said the operation, which included frontline staff, came after concerns raised by West Quay residents and businesses about assaults, noise, disorder and damage to buildings.

The area is home to a stretch of hospitality hotspots, and violence caused by people who gather outside them and drive past them, have made headlines on occasions.

Earlier in the year, Hastings man Andy Winitana died after an assault on the West Quay pavement as he was preparing to head home after a night out.

In 2024, police apprehended nine people after a shot was fired near a West Quay nightclub, and in 2021, three people were shot in a drive-by gang shooting.

Martin said most issues occurred in the early hours once bars had closed.

She said the operation would focus on enforcement that prevents crime.

“We have seen an increase in public place violence around licensed premises, and we are committed to making long-term change.”

She said police met with the Ahuriri Business Association to understand their concerns about crime and disorder in the area, especially in the early hours of the weekends when bars were closed.

Police would feed their insights back to the Napier City Council to inform its work on crime prevention through environmental design, Martin said.

”While we know a visible police presence helps deter anti-social behaviour, this is also an opportunity for officers to better understand the challenges in the late-night environment and identify practical ways to make the area safer.”

She said they were also working with the council to consider initiatives outside West Quay licensed premises, such as limiting traffic and parking in the early hours of the morning.

Napier mayor Richard McGrath said an increased police presence would provide reassurance to the Ahuriri community and send a strong message that anti-social behaviour won’t be tolerated.

“Ahuriri is one of Hawke’s Bay’s busiest hospitality destinations and everyone who lives, works and visits there deserves to feel safe.”

He said the council was committed to playing its part, and wanted to explore practical environmental measures that could help reduce harm and improve the late-night environment.

“Ahuriri’s local businesses play a vital role in making the area such a thriving destination.

“Keeping it welcoming and safe is a shared responsibility and this collaborative approach is exactly what our community needs.”