A statement regarding 'After Parties' for the families and public of North Otago. 

In consultation with the NZ Police as part of their 'Prevention First' strategies in North Otago/Waitaki, we, as the Principals of St Kevin's College and  Waitaki Boys and Waitaki Girls High Schools, would like to address the phenomena of 'After Parties' in our community. 

'After Parties' are informal gatherings of young people following significant events on school calendars, such as Athletics, Swimming, Sports, Graduation and School Balls.  These events involve alcohol, and frequently, alcohol is supplied to minors at these events. 

We wish to make it very clear that none of the three secondary schools in North Otago sanction or have anything to do with the organization of these events.  These are entirely run by the students themselves or parents and caregivers.  None of the schools give permission for their names or brands to be used in any of these events, and no school resources are used. 

We wish to caution parents and caregivers against running events of this nature for the following reasons. 

Firstly, every year, significant school staff time and resourcing are put into dealing with incidents that flow on from these events, for example, sexual assaults,  issues with motor vehicles and cases of assault or theft.  Whilst schools do not condone or run the events, they inevitably end up having to give up their time to support young people in the resultant negative situations. 

Secondly, with the rise in popularity of drugs such as MDMA and methamphetamine in Oamaru, it is naive to believe that just because students are not drinking too much (for example, some parties have a limit of four cans) that, they are not using other substances at these events or preloading to the point of being out of control or interacting with members of the public who are.  

Thirdly, if school staff attend these events in their capacity as teachers, they place themselves at risk with the Teachers Council of NZ.  Therefore, schools do not condone staff involvement at these events, narrowing the pool of available adults. 

Lastly, we would caution the parents of caregivers running these events that the liability for students' well-being is squarely on the shoulders of those hosting.  Any death or injury related to the party or the supply of alcohol to minors may result in prosecution. 

Please support our young people by refraining from running these events.   

Jo Walshe, Sarah Hay, Darryl Paterson
 

Article added: Thursday 22 February 2024