Lakeside concert organisers and police focus on a safe family event

Area prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan and Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust chairman Ian Edward are hoping for a safe family friendly event. Photo/Andrew Warner

Rotorua police and organisers of the 2018 Lakeside Concert plan to work together to ensure a safe, family-friendly event - which will form part of a busy weekend in the city.

After children as young as 10 under the influence of alcohol and other drugs and gang-affiliated teenagers fighting created havoc at Glo on New Year's Eve, police called for changes to the running of Lakeside.

Better lighting, age restrictions, signage and rules around the supervision of young people were some of the options discussed for creating a safer atmosphere.

Senior Sergeant Denis Murphy met with Lakeside organisers last week and said police would be working closely with them to ensure the event was safe.

Rotorua police area prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan said police were viewing Lakeside as another New Year's Eve-style event.

"There are a few things we need to improve on from the Glo Festival.

"We are looking at options for lighting, how we are placed on the night and hoping to really see some improvements."

Keenan said a lot of police officers would be working the concert.

"They are from across the board, from the Criminal Investigation Branch, our frontline staff and our community patrols."

During the Glo Festival more than 50 police officers were on patrol.

It will be a busy weekend in the city with the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series on at the Blue Lake, the Warriors playing at Rotorua International Stadium, then the Lakeside Concert, he said.

Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust chairman Ian Edward said he was focusing on the positives.

"This is a night for our community, it will be a safe community friendly event.

"This concert is really all about us, this is our night."

For 21 years Lakeside concerts have brought top international acts to Rotorua for the annual free outdoor concert in front of thousands.

Lakeside 2018 - WHENUA #it'sabouthome was officially launched last October.

The show will be hosted by The Hits radio personality Stacey Morrison who will tap into Rotorua's bilingual city push.

The artists include veteran performer Moana Maniapoto, rising vocal group Maimoa featuring Rotorua singer and dancer Turanga Merito, the popular Modern Maori Quartet and rising singer/songwriter Alayna Powley, who is fresh back from New York.

Lakeside's tradition of having a classical element remains with pianist Noelle Dannenbring as well as several other surprise acts.

What: Rotorua Lakeside Concert 2018
When: Saturday, February 17, pre entertainment from 5pm, pohiri at 7pm
Where: Rotorua Village Green
Cost: Free