Kids younger than 14 say a party is no good unless they can get drunk and they are definitely not interested in safe drinking. I see many young people of 13 and 14 who are like fillies and colts waiting at the gate to be let loose. It is particularly dangerous for girls because they don't see themselves as being part of the crowd if they don't drink. Being seen as a party-girl and not boring is very important to them. Ms Blyth says there are long-term effects these teenagers are not considering, such as unwanted pregnancies and consequences further down the track when they try to get a job.
Boys face a different dilemma.
While drug and alcohol abuse is not confined to Wairarapa and is a national problem, areas hit by recession are often affected more. This includes Wairarapa, where there is little for teenagers to do, often giving them a lack of purpose. Sometimes getting drunk gives them this sense of purpose, through things like being able to plan upcoming parties. Other drugs, like cannabis, also have an effect on a teenager's sense of purpose. We see cannabis having a major effect on schooling.