Police urge constant supervision for trick-or-treating children

Halloween can be a scary time of year with classic horrors – but it can also be a bit scary trying to protect your kids while out trick-or-treating.

Rotorua police’s area prevention manager, Senior Sergeant Sam Parata, said a way you could protect your kids this year was by supervising young children constantly, ensuring you had eyes on them at all times.

“Don’t go on your own, and do it as a group.”

Parata recommended checking local Facebook community groups to identify which houses were accepting trick-or-treaters, and to stick to areas that you knew.

He also reminded others to respect the houses that were not participating.

Parata recommended wrapped lollies as the safest treat to receive during trick-or-treating.

“Make sure a caregiver looks over what the kid has received and ensure they have some oversight before consuming.”

He encouraged people who were hosting Halloween parties this year to be mindful of their neighbours and noise levels, as well as monitoring levels of intoxication.

This year for Halloween, Rotorua businesses are offering safer alternatives to trick or treating for all ages to attend.

Motion Entertainment is putting on a Spooky Circus Night on Friday, with a scary maze (gold coin entry), games and free candy throughout the night.

From 5pm to 10pm, parents can expect fun-filled games for their kids, including a colouring competition, guess the number of lollies in the jar, and best dressed.

There will also be special guest appearances from Artful Addiction, and Artzy Giftzy.

There will be circus-inspired food available in the cafe, and special deals on attractions.

Halloween fun at Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Photo / Supplied

The Sir Howard Morrison Centre is hosting two festive activities on Saturday, with plenty of options suitable for anyone.

Organisers said the spooky maze was for anyone looking for some Halloween scares, with carnival-style games and activities waiting at the end.

Halloween fun at Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Photo / Supplied

There would be scary characters and surprises around every corner, but the frights would still remain family-friendly.

Each ticket included an unlimited number of trips in the maze, and two tokens for the carnival-style games and activities at “Carn-evil” in the Banquet Room.

There will be face painting, balloon twisting and Halloween treats available for purchase.

Tickets are $12 plus fees.

Those who would rather dance the night away can tune into the stage fright disco, a spooky dance party for children aged 5 and over.

The Sir Howard Morrison Centre stage will be transformed into a dance floor, with a scary atmosphere and Halloween surprises led by an MC.

Tickets are $5-$10.

All tickets are available on the centre’s website.

For those looking to splashdown during this year’s frights, Rotorua Aquatic Centre has a good option.

On Sunday from 10.30am to 2.30pm, the Aquatic Centre is hosting a Halloween pool party.

Swimmers can expect heaps of inflatable fun with interactive activities such as a Tarzan swing and an inflatable bouncy castle.

People are encouraged to come dressed in costume, however light layers are recommended when swimming.

There is also a secret prize which will be revealed on the day.

Entry is $6.

For a cuter alternative to the spookiness of Halloween, the Rotorua SPCA is hosting its own Halloween party on Saturday.

With free entry and a sausage sizzle, visitors can have the opportunity to play games like bean bag toss, ladder toss, and hungry duck.

There are treats for those who appear in costume, and raffle themes inspired by cats and dogs, and one including household items.

The event is from 3pm-6pm at the Rotorua SPCA centre on Old Taupō Rd.

The SPCA said Bunnings had kindly agreed to the use of its carpark and suggested visitors park at the side of the carpark closest to the SPCA centre.

For those who are looking for a different type of magic, The Enchanted Story Book Nook have the perfect thing in store.

On Saturday from 4pm to 8pm, kids of all ages can enjoy a craft-filled evening, with candle making, storybook inspired crafts, wands, and face painting.

Visitors can also enjoy delicious catering, with the opportunity to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic.

There will also be a sausage sizzle, and the opportunity to dress in creative costumes.

Entry is $5 per person, cash only.

Also on Saturday, Rotorua Arts Village is hosting a Dia De Los Muertos (day of the dead) with an open Ofrenda (offering), allowing anyone in the community to honor their loved ones who are no longer with us.

From 11am-1pm, they will be making Mexican paper banners, marigold flowers, and decorating skulls.

The Arts Village invites anyone to bring a photograph of a special person or an item which represents them, but will show other ways to honour them if you don’t have anything.

Entry is free, however children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Francesca Marr is a Wintec journalism student.