Wellington Police gear up for the NZI Sevens

Wellington Police are gearing up for a busy weekend, as the NZI Sevens kicks off at the stadium tomorrow.

Extra staff from as far away as the Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth and Palmerston North are being deployed over the two days to ensure there’s a visible policing presence at the stadium and in the city before, during and after the games. This is in addition to maintaining our day to day policing services.

Sevens Operation Commander Senior Sergeant Simon Feltham says Sevens fans will notice a high Police presence, not only at the entrance to the stadium, but along Wellington Waterfront.

"Sevens fans turning up at the stadium attempting to smuggle alcohol will be caught and risk losing their ticket, so our advice is don't bother trying."

At the completion of the Sevens on Saturday night, Police, Fire and Ambulance personnel will operate a forward command centre in the Telecom carpark in Tory Street, which will operate throughout Saturday evening. This is in addition to emergency services personnel stationed throughout the Courtenay Place party zone.

It's the first time in the history of the NZI Sevens that all three agencies will be working in this way.

"The Fire Service is providing its new Wellington-based hazmat/command vehicle for the evening, which will be used as a mobile command and communications centre."

The onboard technology allows all the agencies to run their communications through the mobile command centre and coordinate their activities.

Senior Sergeant Feltham says, "Emergency services personnel within the party zone will ease the pressure on Wellington Hospital's Emergency Department (ED), keeping it free for just that, emergencies."

Wellington Hospital Emergency Department clinical director Dr Andre Cromhout says the Sevens weekend is always a big one for staff and this year it also coincides with building renovations, which will mean extensive delays for people with minor injuries.

“Waiting times are further compounded by the fact that we see about double the amount of alcohol-related illnesses and injuries - about 15 per cent of people that turn up here over the Sevens weekend have got an alcohol-related injury or illness," Dr Cromhout said.

“We highly recommend that people with a relatively minor injury or illness see emergency services personnel stationed throughout the Courtenay Place party zone, their GP or the Accident and Urgent Medical Centre in Newtown."

Senior Sergeant Feltham says given 34,000 fans are expected at the Sevens each day, Police are gearing up for the usual issues associated with a large crowd, namely alcohol-fuelled disorder.

"We want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves at the Sevens, making it a weekend to remember."

Some tips for enjoying the Sevens:

- Moderate the amount of alcohol you drink. Intoxicated people get into trouble by provoking fights, or they become vulnerable as victims of crime.

- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eating food as well. Water stations will be available at the stadium for the first time this year.

- Young women should stick together and not get separated from friends. If you are going to drink, stick with your group and make sure someone is looking after you.

- Keep an eye out on your friends and if they're getting the worse for wear, take them home or back to their accommodation.

- Plan your night out and how you're going to get home. If you're walking, stay with your group, or get a taxi, late night bus or train with friends.

ENDS

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