If reading loads isn't your thing just memorise these six tips:

1. Register your party at www.goodone.org.nz

2. Put on a spread

3. Know who's at your party

4. Think about your neighbours

5. Look after your mates

6. Don’t hesitate to call the cops if things are getting hairy

Read the tips below to help ensure your night is a good one!

Register your party
Register your party. This will ensure you’ve got all the info you need to ensure an awesome, hassle free night. It will also mean the community Police in your area can provide advice and some back up if things go pear shaped.

Mates only!
To avoid unwanted guests, don’t issue an open invite on Facebook! Just invite the people you want there, and let them know an end time, so they can plan rides afterwards.
Check that your mates have a ride home organised before they get to your place. Do your mates have a safe driver sorted? You might even have some spare bedding ready for those mates that crash at your place.

Chat to your neighbours
Visit your surrounding neighbours early to let them know you’re having a party and tell them a finish time. They’ll probably be grateful for the heads-up and more patient on the night! You might also want to give them a contact cell phone number, so they can ring you during the party if they have any concerns – before they ring anyone else!

Tell your landlord 
Especially if you’re having a largish event, make sure you run it past your landlord. They’re more likely to be cool with it if you show you’re thinking ahead and taking a responsible approach. You can also use your registration/confirmation email from goodone.org.nz to show that you’re doing the right thing.

Tuck away your possessions
Just before the party, hide your valuables and if you can, lock your bedroom doors. This’ll cut down the risk of your beloved things (like Howard, your favourite teddy) being stolen.

Know who's at your party
A great way to see who’s coming and going is to take turns ‘manning’ the gate throughout the night. As well as keeping an eye out for gatecrashers, you’ll be able to encourage your guests to get home safely (and peacefully!). 

Put on a spread
Provide plenty to eat throughout the night, aiming for roughly two saussies and bread per person. Your guests will love you for it.

Look after your mates
Have non-alcoholic drinks available and look out for your guests. If you feel worried about someone, ask them to stop or slow down. You might also want to have a central bar area where alcohol can be kept and served by someone sober.

Deter gatecrashers  
You’re responsible for who’s at your party and how they behave, so if gate crashers turn up, tell them its a private party. If they come in and won’t leave (or you’re having any issues) you can always call the police for assistance. It’s better to deal with a small problem early before things get out of control.

Reduce noise
As the night goes on, avoid complaints by reducing the noise. A key gripe is the bass level so turn down the bass knob on your stereo to reduce how much the sound travels. If a noise control officer does turn up, make yourself known and work with them. If you do, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding further problems (as they do have the power to seize equipment and issue fines).

Don't hesitate to call the cops if things are getting hairy
If you’ve registered with Good One and the police visit, they may call you from the street so that you can go out to meet them. If they come in, make yourself known to them and have a chat. They’re there to help and will be best able to do that if you work with them, and encourage your guests to do the same. If things go pear-shaped don't hesitate to call the police for help. 

Other legal stuff…

Fires: Outdoor fires (including bonfires) are illegal and could cost you and your flatties $300 or more each! If anyone starts one, get that puppy quickly put out.

Liquor ban: Your home might be in a liquor ban area, so make sure your mates don’t drink on the pavement or road, and place a wheelie bin by your gate so they can leave bottles behind at the end of the night. You or your mates could be arrested or given a fine of $250 if you ignore the rules of the liquor ban area. 

Supply of alcohol to minors: It’s illegal to supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years unless you have expressed consent from their parent or legal guardian. If you have consent you must supervise the drinking, provide food, make available low or non-alcoholic drinks and ensure safe transport options are in place. You could be fined up to $2,000 if you don’t follow this law.

End well!
Stick to the end-time you agreed with your neighbours and ask your guests to leave quietly (in small groups if you can). And if you have any die-hard, party animals, turning the music off is a great way to signal that it’s time to go…

Operation clean up
Early the next day, get out and clean any party rubbish off the street. It’s a great way to flash your Awesome Hosty Prowess to the neighbours… Another great move is to check-in with your neighbours to see if they had any issues, and do what you can to fix any problems.