Man evicted as his girlfriend 'freaks out'
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NELSON -- A man has been evicted from the Gathering and his girlfriend, who apparently had a bad drug trip, is in medical care after police were called to the Golden Bay dance party on New Year's Day.
Constable Peter Crins, of the Takaka police, said the man, in his 20s, was evicted about 6.30am after he became aggressive when security officers and police tried to control his girlfriend.
The incident happened outside a domed tent near the campsite, commonly known as the chill-out zone.
Chubb security officer Ray Andersen said the teenage girl, who was jumping over cars and shouting references to religion and Jesus, seemed to be having a bad trip on a drug.
Mr Crins said the girl was yesterday being cared for at the Gathering by St John ambulance staff. She was to stay there until she had recovered.
Mr Andersen said it was the second time a person had "freaked out" beside the domed tent.
On New Year's Eve, security officers had to control a man in his early 20s who stripped naked and threw $20 notes in the air. He also received medical care.
Meanwhile, another dance party, the Vision at Billy King Creek, Pakawau, was winding down yesterday. About 1200 people attended.
Trustee and site manager William McLatchie said that while ticket sales had been slow to start with, sales had picked up in the time leading up to the event.
The Visionz Trust has committed all the profit it makes on this and subsequent events to sustainable community initiatives, such as organics and permaculture.
Mr McLatchie said he was confident the Vision party would cover its costs and said the trust was in for the long haul. "This year we are planting the seed." --NZPA