With Christmas in the rearview, Central Otago teenagers are now turning their sights towards New Years celebrations.

An army of Red Frogs volunteers are assembling, prepped and ready to be a positive peer presence for thousands of young people in holiday hotspots across New Zealand - including some close to home here in Central.

New Years is an exciting time full of possibility and can often be a young person's first experience of heading away with friends - and also drinking. With this comes risk so Red Frogs have put together some handy tips to help young people as they prepare to head away to

celebrate.

This New Years season, Red Frogs can be found providing support in four locations - Queenstown, Wanaka, Kaiteriteri and Nelson. 

Red Frogs will be running safe chill out zones, cooking pancakes, handing out water and Red Frog lollies, while providing care and comfort to those who may find themselves a little worse for wear.

Red Frogs Top 10 Tips for New Years:

• Never leave a mate behind! Always stay in groups of two or more and stay in well-lit areas.
• Never leave your drink unattended and never accept drinks from others.
• Ask 'R U Okay' every day. The end of the year can be an emotionally stressful time, so make sure you are checking in with your friends every day.
• Charge your phone. Have a plan for if you get separated from your friends and you are unable to contact them.
• Drink plenty of water and eat healthy meals.
• Know your boundaries and stick to them - don’t become somebody you’re not.
• Check-in with your parents throughout the week.
• Be careful what you post on social media. Once a photo is out there, it’s out there forever.
• Respect accommodation providers and their rules.
• Call 111 in an emergency.