Online Party Register launch at road safety youth expo next week

Party Register logo

An innovative new project for local people hosting parties will be launched at Rotorua’s annual Road Safety Youth Expo next week.

‘Party Register’ is an online tool where in return for registering their party at www.partyregister.co.nz, party hosts receive a ‘party box’ of sweets, party straws, napkins and other goodies for making non-alcoholic ‘mocktails,’ and helpful guides on host responsibility with tips for safe partying.

The project is a collaboration of Rotorua District Council and Rotorua Police, with the council receiving registrations before referring them to police for monitoring. It is also supported by Rotary and local business Andy’s Party Hire.

Rotorua district councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, portfolio lead of the council's People Strategy, said the collaborative effort had already taken on a unique Rotorua flavour, which was exciting for the community.

"Party Register fits well with the council’s Rotorua 2030 vision and our goal around safe neighbourhoods, while the youth road expo supports our Youth Policy vision statement. This vision is around promoting ‘a safe community where young people are supported to be successful through building confidence, skills and opportunities, and having fun while they’re at it!'.”

Cr Raukawa-Tait said Party Register was being launched at the Road Safety Youth Expo because parties that can get out of control tend to involve people in the youth age bracket. She said, Party Register was, however, available to the whole community.

“We acknowledge that locals of all ages enjoy a good party, so we’re pleased to offer this support to help ensure everyone has a safe time. Instead of finding out about a party when it’s out of control, police will now have the opportunity to be proactive and available to help before things get out of hand.”

Rotorua Police sergeant Andrew Lynch said a lot of police time and resources can be taken up dealing with out-of-control parties and disorder.

"This initiative is a great way to help promote and protect responsible hosts. It’s not private security, but it is an early warning system that helps us to know where potential problems might arise and nip them in the bud before they escalate. By using the register you will be helping us to keep you and your community safe.”

Parents are also being encouraged to attend a session at the Rotorua Road Safety Youth Expo from 14 to 17 April at Rotorua Convention Centre. There are two sessions per day at 9.30am and 12 noon, and an extra evening session on Tuesday 15 April at 7pm.

While schools will be bringing through Year 11 pupils and alternative education students, parents are being urged to get involved so they can encourage their teens to make responsible decisions when they get behind the wheel.

There will be prizes up for grabs and fun educational activities. The expo is about changing attitudes and improving choices. Anyone with an interest in youth or road safety is welcome.

Rotorua Road Safety Youth Expo is a joint project of Rotorua District Council, Rotorua Police, Rotary, Fire Service, St John, and Students Against Driving Drunk.
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