Red Frogs NZ’s presence in Wānaka and Queenstown over New Year’s Eve and at Alexandra’s Blossom Festival has been praised by local authorities.

The volunteer organisation, which safeguards young people in alcohol-fuelled environments, has released its 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Impact Report, confirming its more than 350 volunteers have made a meaningful contribution to safeguarding a generation and reducing alcohol-related harm.

Red Frogs has had a presence in Central Otago since 2015 when it started covering New Year events and the blossom festival.

National media co-ordinator Shannon Thomson said the group has recognised in recent years the patterns of behaviour in teenagers has changed, mostly through the use of social media, and they needed to be able to redeploy at short notice to respond.

Tertiary students, key partners, and stakeholders - including emergency services responders were interviewed as part of the report, with some positive responses.

Hato Hone St John Central Otago area operations manager David Baillie said the larger festivals saw a significant number of patients with alcohol and drug-related issues, and the assistance of the Red Frogs team was not only exemplary but essential, “enabling us to do our job and provide medical care for those who need it the most”. 

“I continue to be impressed with their compassion, professionalism and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable people, and it is my opinion they provide a vital service through hydration stations, chaplaincy, and safe-spaces.”

Red Frogs NZ national director Ray Thomson (second from right), and national media co-ordinator Shannon Thomson (right) with volunteers at the Alexandra Blossom Festival in 2024. Photo: File

In Wānaka over New Year’s Eve the group actively cared for 132 young people who were vulnerable, but during the blossom festival in 2024 it was much quieter, and this year the group decided to attend the Saturday in the Park event instead.

NZ Police area commander Central Otago Lakes Inspector Paula Enoka said Red Frogs were integral in the planning that went into a New Year’s event.

“Their proactive messaging prior to the event and what they do during the event reduces harm at the events. NZ Police truly values the services, engagement and empathy Red Frogs offers,” she said.

“It is a crucial part of the interagency event. NZ Police places a high value on the partnership as we combine our efforts to achieve the outcomes that we all want, a safe and happy NYE.”

Red Frogs NZ national director Ray Thomson said it was great to have confirmed what the volunteers were certain of through experience.

“The report provides clear, concrete evidence of the powerful impact made by more than 350 dedicated volunteers who are working tirelessly to safeguard our vulnerable young people.”

“Red Frogs often operates in the grey areas of youth culture nobody wants to take responsibility for, so it’s great to bring the unseen into the seen and share the some of the stories and impact of what our volunteers do.’’

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