More than a thousand high school students are expected to attend the Rotorua Road Safety Youth Expo, which began yesterday.
Held at the Convention Centre, the event is a joint project of Rotorua District Council, Rotorua Police, Rotary, the Fire Service, St John and Students Against Driving Drunk. District councillor Mark Gould said it was fantastic they had come together to provide the programme.
"It's been fantastic seeing all the young children of driving age come through and realise that they're not cotton woolled, they are human and people make mistakes and sometimes it can cost them their lives," Mr Gould said.
Rotorua police Sergeant Andrew Lynch said he hoped students took on board the important messages being promoted.
"The message we're trying to send is plan your evening when you go out.
"So we're wanting to give them the tools to manage, stay sober and if they do have a drink planning how they are going to get home and how to be correct party hosts."
Mr Lynch said they weren't stopping young people from having fun but encouraging them to be prepared.
One of the exhibits at the expo was the New Zealand Drug Foundation's Steer Clear van which aimed to get young people to think twice about driving when stoned.
Rotorua Lakes High School student Tegan Hill said she learnt a lot from the expo.
"I've just turned 15 so I don't have my licence yet but when I do I'll be the sober driver for my friends, I'm not going to be drinking or doing drugs," she said.
The event also saw the launch of Party Register - an online tool where, upon registering their party, hosts receive sweets, party straws, napkins and other goodies for making non-alcoholic 'mocktails,' and guides on host responsibility.
The project is a collaboration between the council and Rotorua police, supported by Rotary and local business Andy's Party Hire.