Manaaki Tangata - Rangatahi and Tamariki

<STRONG>Rangatahi </STRONG><BR><BR>Whenever alcohol is being served make sure that rangatahi under 18 are not buying alcohol and make sure that whanau and older friends are not buying it on their behalf. <BR><BR>The only person that can legally provide alcohol to someone under 18 is their parent or legal guardian - not any other family member or friend of the whanau. <BR><BR>Young people, no matter what they might think, need to limit the amount they drink. It is the adults' responsibility to supervise them if they are drinking. They still need their kaitiaki (guardians). <BR><BR>If you are giving young people alcohol only give them enough for themselves, up to 2-3 drinks for a young woman and 4-5 for a young man is a guide. Remember their tolerance to, or experience of, alcohol is less than that of adults and they are often smaller in muscle size and stature. <BR><BR>It is also worth remembering that young women sometimes choose drinks that have a higher alcohol content than the beer

Rangatahi

Whenever alcohol is being served make sure that rangatahi under 18 are not buying alcohol and make sure that whanau and older friends are not buying it on their behalf.

The only person that can legally provide alcohol to someone under 18 is their parent or legal guardian - not any other family member or friend of the whanau.

Young people, no matter what they might think, need to limit the amount they drink. It is the adults' responsibility to supervise them if they are drinking. They still need their kaitiaki (guardians).

If you are giving young people alcohol only give them enough for themselves, up to 2-3 drinks for a young woman and 4-5 for a young man is a guide. Remember their tolerance to, or experience of, alcohol is less than that of adults and they are often smaller in muscle size and stature.

It is also worth remembering that young women sometimes choose drinks that have a higher alcohol content than the beer chosen by the majority of young men. This means that they will get drunker quicker. Consequently they are more at risk from unplanned or unwanted sexual activity and abuse.

Do not give a young person enough alcohol for the whole group. The mistaken generosity in giving a young person enough for the whole group means that everyone drinks too much.

It is a good idea to discourage 'drinking games ' and competitions (for adults as well as rangatahi). They are a certain way of people getting drunk.

If you think young people are using cannabis or other drugs, discourage them from drinking. Warn them of the risks of mixing drugs or medication.

Remember that rangatahi for the most part are walking the path of the adults in their lives. If you don't like their drinking behaviour, or are worried about them, check out the adults in their lives. The changes may be needed there first.

The website Urge has information specifically for rangatahi.  

Tamariki

Whanau gatherings and sports club celebrations start out great fun for tamariki but as the day goes on they can be forgotten in the celebrations.

Make them feel a part of the fun time also. Have a wide range of activities organised for them and treat them as the taonga they are.

Make sure you know who is looking after them at all times and if they are put to bed ask one of the nannies or other mothers to stay with them at all times. Never leave them unattended.