Police are reminding revellers to stay safe this holiday break as people gear up for New Year's Eve.
In Wanaka, police say there has been an "influx of young people" drinking in the CBD in the evening, and officers have attended a number of disorder incidents involving young people and house parties with no suitable adult supervision.
Often after these incidents parents say they didn't know what their kids were up to and they never thought they'd be involved in such behaviour.
"Our message to parents is to ensure that any alcohol provided is given and consumed in the home environment, and not to assume their children would not make poor decisions around alcohol," said Wanaka Response Manager Sergeant Kim Chirnside.
Police have some advice for over the party season:
- If you are planning on drinking, then it's a good idea to have something substantial to eat before you start
- Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink
- Plan how you are getting home at the end of your night, and have the cash, eftpos card or app to pay for transport. Make sure you have a designated driver or put aside money for a taxi.
- Look after your friends and stick together so you can watch out for each other
- Have a place to meet up with your friends if you do get separated
- Make sure your phone is fully charged before you head out
- Never leave your drink unattended or accept any drinks that you haven't personally seen poured, especially from strangers
- If you have concerns about someone's behaviour, call police
- If you plan to walk, go in pairs or groups, and either way have a plan for getting home safely.
Police are also warning the public not to drink and drive or speed on the roads.
"Police will be on the road and in communities making sure people having fun this New Year are also keeping themselves, friends, and whānau safe by not drinking and driving," a spokesperson said.
"Last Christmas and New Year period there were 971 road crashes where 91 people were seriously injured and 11 lost their lives. Alcohol or drugs and speed were a factor in over half of these crashes."
Assistant Commissioner of Deployment and Road Policing Bruce O'Brien's advice is to avoid making a bad decision later by planning how you're getting home before you head out, like getting someone to pick you up or taking a legitimate ride-share or taxi service.
"We want everyone to have a fun and safe festive season," he said.
"So remember; don't drink and drive, plan your ride home before heading out, and stick together."
Frontline staff will remain visible on the roads and streets to keep people safe over the New Year celebrations.
