Look after people
Check on your mates, pay attention to changes in behaviour and never leave a vulnerable person alone.
WakCo Community Safety
Festival Safety Starts With Us.
Practical information for safer events, better decisions and stronger communities across Aotearoa.
Our approach
Security is more than standing at a gate.
A safe event is created by promoters, crew, security, medical teams, welfare services, artists and attendees working together.
WakCo Guardians are there to prevent harm, communicate calmly and connect people with the right support. Asking for help early is always better than waiting for a situation to become an emergency.
Ask early
Security, medical and welfare teams would rather help early than respond after a problem has escalated.
Know the environment
Locate exits, drinking water, toilets, medical support and event information when you first arrive.
Your quick festival safety guide
A few simple decisions can make an enormous difference when an event becomes busy, cold, hot or overwhelming.
Hydrate sensibly
Drink water regularly, but do not force excessive amounts. Take breaks and use electrolyte drinks when appropriate.
Stay connected
Set a meeting point, keep phones charged and tell your group before moving to another stage or area.
Prepare for weather
Bring warm layers, sun protection and suitable footwear. Temperatures can change quickly after sunset.
Charge your phone
Carry a power bank where possible and save important event, transport and emergency information beforehand.
Take a quiet break
Crowds, lights and loud music can become overwhelming. Step away, breathe and visit the welfare area when needed.
Plan your trip home
Arrange a sober driver, shuttle, taxi or rideshare before the event. Never drive while impaired or exhausted.
Independent harm-reduction resource
KnowYourStuffNZ
KnowYourStuffNZ is a peer-led community organisation providing free and confidential drug checking and harm-reduction services at clinics and events around Aotearoa.
Drug checking can provide information about the likely identity and composition of a sample, helping people better understand potential risks and make more informed decisions.
Important:
No drug use is risk-free. Drug checking does not make
a substance safe and does not guarantee its contents,
strength or effects.
Act immediately
When should you get help?
Find event security, medical staff or welfare support immediately when someone appears seriously unwell. Do not leave them alone.
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Seizure or collapse
Extreme confusion
Very high body temperature
Unresponsive or difficult to wake
Severe agitation or distress
Blue, grey or unusually pale skin
In an immediate emergency, call 111.
Call 111
Give your exact location and follow the emergency operator's instructions.
Find a WakCo Guardian
We are there to help.
Not every interaction with security is about enforcement. Our team may be helping someone find their friends, contacting medical support, managing a crowd movement, locating a quiet space or resolving a concern before it becomes serious.
You will never be wasting our time by raising a genuine safety concern.
Learn about WakCo SecurityTell us clearly what has happened.
Show us where the person or problem is.
Stay nearby when it is safe to do so.
Follow instructions from medical or event teams.
Festival essentials
Reusable water bottle
Warm clothing
Sunblock and hat
Photo identification
Phone and power bank
Required medication
Ear protection
Transport plan
Emergency contact details
Suitable footwear
Safety and support resources
External links open in a new browser tab.
Harm reduction
KnowYourStuffNZ
Drug checking, information, reports and clinic details.
↗ Drug information The LevelEvidence-based information and practical support.
↗ Health advice HealthlineFree health advice from trained health professionals.
↗ Drug alerts High AlertCurrent notifications about particularly dangerous substances.
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WakCo Security
Safe events are great events.
Planning an event? Talk to WakCo about security, event operations, patron care and community-focused support.