A local group is planning ahead for the influx of young people into Wānaka this coming summer with a campaign to keep teenagers safe.

Path Wānaka, a community group set up to deal with the range of challenges young people face, has worked with local police, Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College, and others to encourage everyone to spread ‘safe summer’ messages.

Wānaka’s summer population is expected to surge past 20,000 people again this year.

“We know no one wants a repeat of the issues we’ve seen in past years,” a police spokesperson said.

“We’re talking alcohol-fuelled gatherings, property damage, and teens in unsafe situations.” 

On January 1, 2025 a large disorderly event - about 300 young people - took place at the Dinosaur Park. At least three serious assaults were reported, involving young people being knocked unconscious, along with numerous other more minor assaults.

Read more: Multiple assaults at Dinosaur Park

Police said at the time that many of those involved were from out of town, with families in Wānaka on holiday.

Path said the ‘Safe Summer’ campaign, which was launched on Monday (December 1), is about “getting ahead” of such behaviour by supporting parents of teens travelling to Wānaka by promoting safety around alcohol and drug use, respect for this community, and safe decision-making.

“These aren’t rules or warnings — they’re simple, helpful prompts that support safe, enjoyable experiences for everyone involved,” Path said.

The group has been in touch with South Island secondary schools to request they share the resources with families of year 11 to year 13 students.

Path hopes the campaign will inform parents and enable them to have conversations with their teens; give a clear, respectful message to teens that Wānaka “isn’t a free-for-all”; and leave the community feeling supported.

The campaign also provides resources such as fridge magnets and flyers for local holiday owners and accommodation providers to leave for guests - with links to resources and messaging around safety, consent, boundaries and town expectations. These resources can be picked up free from the Wānaka Community Hub, or requested from Path ([email protected]).

“We’d love for accommodation owners to make flyers and fridge magnets highly visible in accommodation for all who stay, to see,” Path said.

There will also be a social media campaign and posters put up around Wānaka spreading the messages.

Read more: Here’s to making it a great summer ahead