Laneway launches 0800 number for 'inappropriate behaviour'

An 0800 number has been launched for Laneway fans to use to report dodgy behaviour. Photo/Nick Reed

An Auckland-based music festival has launched an 0800 number for punters to report "inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour".

The move comes after a TV3 reporter was allegedly groped and harrassed during a live cross during the 2016 event.

Laneway, an indie music festival being held at Albert Park on Monday, today announced an 0800 number had been opened for punters to report problems.

"0800 LANEWAY is a free call hotline for patrons to report and escalate any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour," the festival announced in a tweet.

"We believe that everyone has the right to have fun, feel safe, feel included and enjoy the music."

In a follow-up tweet, festival organisers said: "Creating a culture of respect is something we strive for, not only for our event, but for the music industry as a whole."

0800 LANEWAY is a free call hotline for patrons to report and escalate any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour. We believe that everyone has the right to have fun, feel safe, feel included and enjoy the music. pic.twitter.com/sdjMZGd8V5

— Laneway Festival NZ (@lanewayfestNZ) January 25, 2018

Creating a culture of respect is something we strive for, not only for our event, but for the music industry as a whole. The hotline is simply 0800-5263-929. If you do not have access to a phone, please notify a staff member or security guard with a handheld radio.

— Laneway Festival NZ (@lanewayfestNZ) January 25, 2018

Kim Vinnell was reporting live from Laneway's old home at Silo Park for Three when she was interrupted by a pair of music fans.

One used an expletive-laden phrase, abbreviated to "FHRITP", and the segment was cut short.

Vinnell later tracked the pair down, only for them to say: "Next time have a male presenter because s*** like that gets pretty hectic."

In response, Laneway introduced a women-only area at last year's festival.