Rotorua mum wants trick-or-treating this Halloween to be safer for kids

Jesse Charters has started a register for families who want to take part in trick-or-treating this year. Photo / Stephen Parker

One Rotorua mum's quest to make Halloween safer for her children has already garnered the interest of hundreds of families citywide.

Jesse Charters, who grew up rurally so trick-or-treating "wasn't really a thing", loves taking her kids out on October 31 but is uncomfortable knocking on strangers' doors.

"There are a lot of not-so-good areas and not-so-good people, you don't want to go knocking on the wrong door."

So she took to Facebook, keen to implement a townwide safety scheme similar to one she had previously been part of in Matamata.

"I am getting people to message me with their name, address and the number of children they will have attending.

"They will then gain access to a map which is broken down so each family knows where in their neighbourhood to go."

She says her Facebook post about the project has triggered more than 200 responses in two days.

Jesse Charters wants to make trick-or-treating safer for Rotorua families. Photo / Stephen Parker

The only catch is if you want to go out collecting, you also have to be willing to give out lollies at your place.

"There is no getting without giving, but if you don't have children or your children are too young, you can still take part in giving out lollies on the night."

The trick-or-treating will take place from 6pm to 8.30pm, for children under 13 who have adult supervision.

"Having the parents involved, for safety reasons, actually means the whole family get to do something together," Charters said.

She said it was nice seeing children and families out together on Halloween, laughing, smiling and happy.

Rotorua police area commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi said police encouraged everyone to celebrate Halloween safely.

"We advise that children always go trick-or-treating with an adult, stay in areas that are well lit, only visit houses where you know the residents and be careful not to scare elderly people.

"And remember, you don't have to respond to knocks at the door on Halloween.

"If there are any problems or incidents outside your house and you are concerned you can ring police for advice or assistance."

Charters is busy setting up the Facebook group for those who want to take part, but says the best way to contact her in the meantime is in a private message.