THE once-troubled Illuminate Paint Party went off without a hitch at the weekend - proving not only that is there a demand in this town for youth events, but also that they can be safe and successful.
Originally scheduled to take place last month, the paint party was cancelled after organiser
Jamie Templeton was unable to meet the conditions set by Tauranga City Council.
The event - in particular its cancellation - sparked controversy with young people saying it was a much-needed event in an otherwise boring town.
On the other hand, police labelled the party a "dangerous mix" of alcohol and underage guests.
The original set-up was always asking for trouble with the party open to people aged over 16, including an 18-plus area where alcohol would have been sold. How this would ever have been policed is anyone's guess.
But Mr Templeton revisited his plans and the party got the go ahead minus any alcohol and with a cap of 2000 on the number of tickets allowed to be sold.
Mr Templeton made every effort to ensure he met his obligations and that the event was safe and secure for all patrons. He reported no injuries or fighting and about 30 people were turned away at the door because they were intoxicated - an end result that surely must please police and council.
The postponement was necessary in that it prevented any problems, but may have also led to fewer numbers taking part.
What a shame for Mr Templeton that only 800 people turned up but he has proven himself as a reputable event organiser and perhaps next time around it will be an even bigger success.
Feedback to this newspaper since the paint party debate started was overwhelming with the majority of people saying Tauranga lacks fun events for young people. And it is no secret that older people dominate the city's population.
But young people cannot rely on others to put on interesting events for them. If they want to shake the image that Tauranga is a retirement village then they must take a leaf out of Mr Templeton's book and create the fun themselves.
