Wakatipu High School staff deny it has a "booze culture", have never heard of a "vomit room" and say the school is not responsible for pupils after the end of its official ball next Saturday.
The comments were in response to concerns raised during an open community discussion on youth access to alcohol on Thursday night.
Parent Jeff Williams said Wakatipu High School had a "Beverly Hills 90210 reputation" throughout the country. Some pupils seemed to consider attending a "vomit room" as a prize during the after-ball party.
However, school principal Lyn Cooper told the Otago Daily Times she had never heard of the phrase "vomit room".
"But I understand that when children feel tired and need a place to rest, a facility is provided, which has water to hydrate."
Mrs Cooper said the high school was only responsible for the organisation of the school formal, which would finish at 11.30pm. From this time, pupils were the responsibility of parents.
"To my knowledge, we have had successful after-ball parties run by senior students, and parents who have the support of the Public Health service, police, youth aid and private security firms.
"Students follow ALAC [Alcohol Advisory Council] guidelines for parents and students when organising functions which include alcohol."
Board of trustees chairman Peter Doyle said he did not understand Mr Williams' comments and the board and senior management did not condone alcohol consumption at school functions.
"During the ball, we have security, breathalysing equipment and police coming there. Anyone who has consumed alcohol prior to the ball, or has alcohol on them, then the parents are rung and [pupils] sent away. The kids know that."
