Years of consistent messaging from stakeholders such as police, Red Frogs, schools, and community groups has had an impact on the behaviour of young people - and their parents - over New Year.

A police spokesperson told the Wānaka App it was “a pretty good night in Wānaka”, with the only significant issue being a 29-year-old man being arrested for disorderly behaviour in a bar and assaulting police.

Red Frogs media spokesperson Shannon Thompson said the volunteer organisation (which safeguards young people in alcohol-fuelled environments) had witnessed “little bits of aggression but nothing major” over the festive period.

“Overall the last few nights have been really good,” she said.

One on-looker at the lakefront on New Year’s Eve told the Wānaka App the event was “chocka”, with an estimated 80 percent of the crowd made up of young people.

“Five young guys came out of the crowd and stripped off and swam to the pontoon right before midnight,” she said.

Shannon said the 35 Red Frog volunteers in Wānaka dealt with kids aged 14 years old and up.

“A lot of under-agers still,” she said, adding it was great to see “friends looking after friends”.

“We’ve had a great response from parents, with this year parents being available to collect their kids and be available when we call.”

She said consistent messaging has led to “greater awareness for parents that they have to be available to look after their children as well”.

Read more:

• Youth, alcohol and safety in Wānaka this New Year
• Safe Summer in Wānaka: Path Wānaka campaign for teens and visitors

On New Year’s Eve the volunteers handed out more than 2,000 cups of water, cooked more than a thousand pancakes, and actively cared for 31 people in the Red Frogs safe zone.

Shannon said this could mean the person was checked out by a medic, or had a volunteer sit with them if they were intoxicated or distressed.

Rhythm & Alps attendees enjoying the 15th anniversary event.

Meanwhile the Rhythm & Alps Festival in the Cardrona Valley (from December 29-31) attracted an estimated crowd of 10,000 partygoers for the 15th anniversary of the event.

PHOTOS: Supplied