"Stern" policing measures will be in place around the Waitaki Lakes on Labour Weekend to ensure a recent improvement in the behaviour of young campers continues.
Lakes in the Waitaki Valley have traditionally attracted hundreds of young campers, fresh out of their last year of school, but major problems with alcohol in 2009 forced police to boost staff numbers.
Last year, at least 250 young people camped at an unofficial youth camp on Loch Laird, and Senior Constable Ross Lory said four extra staff would be on hand this year, to ensure the weekend was again trouble-free.
"The campsites there are used by a lot of the younger generation, but as I understand it there has been no problem for the last couple of years.
"The measures put in place by the local community up there over that period have been working well."
Snr Const Lory said roadside checkpoints would be in place and the Omarama and Kurow rural stations would be bolstered by officers from Oamaru, the extra staff boosting the total to six officers on duty.
"The main issues are not with the young people, they are fine.
"It's the hangers-on that usually cause the issues there. There will certainly be a stern approach taken for those people who want to spoil the fun."
Waitaki District Council safety and development facilitator Helen Algar said volunteers from the Waitaki Guardians would also be on patrol to help deter antisocial behaviour.
"The Guardians will act in an ambassadorial role and be extra eyes and ears. The influx of large numbers of young people into a small community has potential to have an impact.
"What we want to encourage is responsible behaviour and an enjoyable, safe experience by all parties - those who attend and the Waitaki Valley community."
Mrs Algar said there would be a designated area for young people to camp at Loch Laird, but warned that young people and parents were responsible for their own behaviour and the law applied to anyone drinking underage.
A liquor ban for Otematata will be in place from 9pm on Friday, October 19, until 6am on Monday, October 22. It will take in the whole of the Otematata township and extend from Otematata Station Rd, to the township's southern boundary, including the boundaries of the Otematata Golf Course.
It will also extend as far as the 80kmh signs located on Loch Laird Rd and the eastern and western approaches to Otematata.
