A national volunteer organisation with strong ties to Central Otago is up for a national award.

Red Frogs New Zealand has been selected as a semi-finalist in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year awards announced yesterday.

The group is one of as one of 10 groups from throughout New Zealand in the Mitre 10 Community of the Year category.

Red Frogs was dedicated to safeguarding young people in high-risk, alcohol-fuelled environments, including the Alexandra Blossom Festival Friday night carnival, Cromwell Christmas at the Races and New Year's Eve celebrations in Wanaka and Queenstown.

Nationally, they attend concerts, university events and after parties, providing safe spaces, listening ears, water, pancakes, and practical support. 

National director Ray Thomson, formerly of Cromwell, said when told of the nomination he was “incredibly honoured, humbled and proud of the volunteers across New Zealand, and the recognition of the work they do’’.

“It is great to see the work of our Red Froggers acknowledged in this way,’’ he said.

Red Frogs volunteers handing out pancakes at the Alexandra Blossom Festival carnival in September are (from left) Kevin De Villiers, Tim Muller and Adam Stobo-Wright, of Cromwell, along with Raymond and Shannon Thomson, of Dunedin, PHOTO: THE CENTRAL APP

In 2023, over 350 Red Frog volunteers helped more than 275,000 young people, delivering 38,100 cups of water, 21,992 pancakes, and 468kg of Red Frog lollies across 118 activations.

The award was for the group that has shown the best of collective change, achieving outstanding impact together. Last year it was won by the Cyclone Gabrielle volunteers.

Judges will decide the final three at the end of January and the national awards gala will be held in March 2025.

Red Frogs’ work has led to a notable reduction in alcohol-related harm, reflected in fewer ambulance call-outs and arrests. 

The team also provided valuable education for young people – offering a positive peer presence, sharing practical information around safe partying behaviours; and promoting alcohol-free and/or diversionary activities.

Red Frogs has also been a trusted presence at New Years in Queenstown and Wanaka for nine years and from December 29 to January 1, will once again be providing a Chill Out/Safe Zone and roaming teams at the holiday hotspots.

The response was a collaborative partnership between Queenstown Lakes District Council, police and emergency services to help safeguard young people during the New Year's festivities.

Ray said this summer season was shaping up to be one of Red Frogs’ busiest.

“We are so excited for the summer ahead. Red Frogs are returning to some of our favourite locations to help safeguard young people and this would not be possible if it wasn’t for the support from local councils, police and emergency services - and of course our amazing

Red Frog volunteers.”

Red Frogs volunteers at Christmas at the Races in Cromwell earlier this month. From left are national director Ray Thomson, Tim Muller, Shannon Thomson, Jocelyn Fellowes and Eve O'Brien. PHOTO: RED FROGS NZ

Ray and wife Shannon - who is also The Central App’s interim editor - started their Red Frogs journey 14 years ago in Invercargill as regional co-ordinators and then moved to Central Otago where they set up the NYE response across the Queenstown Lakes district.

Last year, after 13 years volunteering with Red Frogs, Ray was made national director and the couple moved to Dunedin as part of that role.

Earlier this year the Red Frogs NZ Trust was formed and a small team of staff was employed to support the work of the volunteers on the ground.

However, the volunteers were the real stars of the show, Ray said.

“Our dedicated volunteers are the real MVP’s. They are giving up their holiday break and paying their own way to ensure young people are kept safe - and essentially catch vomit - during the New Years period.’’

“If you see a Red Frogger around this summer make sure you grab a pancake, give them a high five and say thanks,” he said.

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