Underage drinking, misconceptions of peer drinking norms and secondary supply of alcohol are serious issues affecting our communities, according to Tauranga City Council.

This summer, Tauranga Moana Safe City in conjunction with Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have launched two campaigns to encourage responsible and safe drinking behaviour in the Western Bay of Plenty.

‘What About you?' is aimed at young people aged 15-17. The campaign challenges students' misconceptions of peer drinking norms by highlighting real facts about drinking behaviours common amongst young Kiwis, such as 50 per cent of young Kiwis thinking getting wasted is unacceptable.

The campaign was developed in collaboration with student focus groups in the Western Bay of Plenty and encourages less harmful drinking practices and a positive change in drinking behaviour. Find out more at whataboutyou.co.nz.

‘Stop the Supply' is aimed at parents, legal guardians and other adults to raise awareness of the illegal nature of secondary supply of alcohol and the subsequent danger to young people, using messages such as: 'Here's your drink, it cost me $2000.”

The core focus of the campaign is to reduce underage drinking and young people's access to alcohol by raising awareness of the offence and penalties of supplying alcohol to minors. Find out more at stopthesupply.co.nz.

‘What About You?' and ‘Stop the Supply' have both been adapted from similar campaigns that have been successful in other communities. Billboards, social media, online advertising and Giggle TV will play key roles in promoting the campaigns over the summer. ‘Stop the Supply' posters will also be displayed in liquor outlets and supermarkets throughout the Western Bay of Plenty.

Tauranga Moana Safe City is a partnership between Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, ACC, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, NZ Police, NZ Fire, Emergency Management BOP and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, with the aim of making our communities a safe place to live, work and play.