A group of teenagers is trying to help to turn round the underage drinking culture in Mataura, near Gore in Southland.
A two-year Crime Prevention Unit study has shown extreme drinking among those aged 14 to 17 and puts them second only to people their forties for committing drunken crime.
A taskforce has been formed, with help from hundreds of volunteers representing more than 70 community organisations.
Among them are four Menzies College students who are helping to set up a community facility specifically aimed at young people.
Taskforce member Susan Denisson says this a positive step as young people can find a way to move forward through engagement and dialogue.
She hopes that by listening to what young people want the town can set up activities that are not only fun, but give younger people a focus.
