Safe Summer in Wānaka
Is your teen in Wānaka this summer?
Parenting with purpose | Hosting with care.
Message from Nicola Jacobsen, Principal, Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College
Before the summer season hits, it's important to prepare yourself
and your teens.
Courageous conversations can be difficult to have as a parent or guardian; however, they are important.
Out of these will come a greater awareness and understanding for everyone.
If you have a social plan in place, you’re halfway there to helping your teens avoid getting into sticky situations. One good conversation now can shape better choices later.
That is the difference between a great New Year, and a holiday no one wants to remember. So, before they pack their chilly-bin and go, have the kōrero. Make a plan!
Our aim is simple: The ‘5C’s – Courage – Communication – Consent – Connection – Courtesy
Scroll down for helpful videos and further resources.
Alcohol Supply Law
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 controls the sale and supply of alcohol in New Zealand.
It’s illegal to supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years of age, unless:
- the person supplying the alcohol is their parent / guardian or you have the express consent of their parent / guardian AND you supply the alcohol in a responsible manner.
What does 'Responsible Manner' mean?
To supply alcohol to teenagers under 18 responsibly you should:
- supervise the drinking of alcohol
- provide food
- provide a choice of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks
- ensure safe transport options are in place
Also consider:
- the nature of the occasion
- the time period over which the alcohol is supplied
- the strength and amount of alcohol supplied
- the age of the teenager
Drinking and Driving
There is a zero alcohol limit for anyone aged under 20. Anyone under 20 could be charged with drunk driving if they consume any alcohol and then drive.
Message from Sgt. Darren Cranfield & Const. Greg Nolet, Wānaka Police
Message from Wānaka Police, Steve Hansen & Wayne Waller
Further Resources
Alcohol restrictions: An alcohol ban is in place in parts of Wānaka from 8.00pm-8.00am every day.
A 24 hour ban also applies from 8.00am on 24 December through to 6.00am on 6 January the following year. More information here.
Red Frogs: A support programme for young people aged 13-30. Their mission is to provide a positive peer presence in alcohol-fuelled environments where young people gather; educate young people on safe partying behaviours; and promote alcohol-free and/or diversionary activities that engage young people in these environments. Visit the Red Frogs website.
Red Frogs Impact Report: The 2024 Impact report has some stories of what Red Frogs encounter and looks at the impact of Red Frogs at New Years. Read the report here.
Red Frogs Facebook Group for Parents: Join here.
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
Amohia Te Waiora | We’re stronger without alcohol: What can we do for our tamariki and mokopuna. Visit webpage.
Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora: Easy to read pdf booklet for parents – Alcohol & Your Kids. Download here.
New Zealand Police: Hosting A Party – Safety Tips. Visit website here.