The “heroes” from NZ Police, Hate Hone St John and Red Frogs are teaming up to help ensure a safe Christmas and New Year’s period in Wānaka, Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers says.

Many thousands of people travel to Wānaka for the festive season each year and a “multi-agency approach” is in place to “work together for a better outcome,” Glyn said.

Police will have an increased presence; St John is readying itself for the busiest period of the year; and Red Frogs - a harm prevention organisation - is bringing 35 volunteers to Wānaka.

Glyn’s message to locals and visitors over the holiday break is for everyone to enjoy themselves, but to please behave responsibly and respect the community.

This was reiterated by Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts, who said the police were gearing up for “big crowds and big numbers”.

“We’ve got our own contingent of police officers in Otago Lakes but we’re also supported by the Southern district with other staff coming to the area,” she said.

Fi said she encouraged everyone to enjoy a safe and responsible holiday break.

“We don’t want anyone to see the inside of Wānaka’s Police station cell, get a court summons, an alcohol infringement notice or be in the back of an ambulance,” she said.

People need to drink responsibly, respect the alcohol-free areas around Wānaka, and make sure their children and teens are accompanied - and not supplied with alcohol, she said.

Read more: Safety advice to parents ahead of New Year’s revelries

Central Otago St John area operations manager David Baillie also encouraged residents and visitors to take care of themselves and others during the holiday season.

The ambulance service sees "multiple patients who are intoxicated or suffering the side effects of recreational drugs,” around this time of year, he said.

People who “choose to take these risks directly impact our emergency services and the hospital services” which are already under pressure at this time of year, he said.

The “safest thing” to do is not use recreational drugs, and drink responsibly, he said.

Meanwhile, Red Frogs is doing its bit by providing “a chill out zone, free pancakes and water” in Wānaka between December 29 and 31, national director Ray Thomson said.

The organisation was contracted by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and dozens of volunteers will be in Wānaka and on hand to “provide support for people that may feel unsafe or unwell”.

PHOTO: Wānaka App