Similar events at Alexandra Park are now unlikely. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today
Organisers of a dance party for high school students have defended the event after a teenager was hospitalised for suspected drug use.
About 1500 people attended The Winter White Out, organised by Union Events, at Auckland's Alexandra Park Raceway last Saturday.
The rave was promoted as an alcohol-free, all-ages event
but restricted to high school students, with tickets sold through student reps around Auckland.
Doors opened at 7pm and an hour later organisers were alerted to a teenage girl who appeared to be suffering the effects of drugs or alcohol. Union Events director Joe Butler said the girl was taken to a room inside the venue and treated by first aid staff.
Emergency services were called when her condition did not improve.
St John arrived at 10.55pm and the girl was taken to Auckland hospital. Police said it appeared she had taken drugs.
Butler said four other drunk teens were removed from the event, despite extensive security measures including checking cars and all patrons.
"Alcohol, drugs and weapons were among items confiscated," said Butler. "All were binned immediately."
Butler said of the five people affected, two were inside the event and three were spotted by security guards while queuing to get in.
"We moved them all in out of the cold for their own safety. Our own medical staff treated them."
The medical team consisted of three surf lifesavers with St John first aid training, led by a registered nurse.
Alexandra Park chief executive Graeme Running had no problems with the way the party was run but said similar events were unlikely to be allowed.
Teen-specific events were a good idea, but he would need a "pretty compelling reason" to allow another one at his venue.
"I don't think police and ambulance turning up is a good look. It is unlikely we will be holding another one," he said.
Butler said lessons had been learned.
"Every event we run we learn new things.
"We want zero per cent of our customers taking drugs - however, it is very difficult to control what ... kids do before they get to our event.
"This is good, clean fun and you should be encouraging your teenage kids to attend these events.
"They are much safer than unsupervised alcohol and drug-filled house parties that the youth of Auckland attend weekly."
