Parents will learn about the dangers of underage drinking at a community safety event in Oamaru this evening.
The district's community safety strategy will be launched at the event, hosted by Safer Waitaki and the Waitaki Youth Coalition.
Waitaki District Council community safety and development facilitator Helen Algar said risk-taking and binge-drinking among New Zealand adolescents were at high levels by international standards.
''It can be intimidating for parents to feel confident in knowing the best way to approach alcohol consumption with their teens,'' she said.
''Safer Waitaki and the Youth Coalition recognised the impact excessive drinking has at a local level and wanted to do something to address the issues for our community.
''Factual information can be a powerful tool.''
She was ''delighted'' University of Otago vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne would be the keynote speaker, Mrs Algar said.
The event will also provide an opportunity to learn about the changes to the law relating to the supply of alcohol to under-18-year-olds.
''This is an event for anyone who has an interest in issues affecting young people,'' Mrs Algar said.
Paul Olsen, of the Safer Waitaki Coalition, encouraged everyone in the community to support the event.
''Safer Waitaki has been working hard on a range of issues and the event will be an exciting opportunity to share our plan with the community, and hear from an eminent presenter about a topic that is important for all of us,'' Mr Olsen said.
The event is free of charge and will start at 6.30pm at the Waitaki Girl's High School hall.
Last week in Cromwell, a young woman was charged with supplying alcohol to a minor after a 16-year-old girl was found unconscious in freezing temperatures in a street after consuming vodka.
