“Wellington City Council continues to collaborate with the police and key stakeholders to support the Don’t Guess the Yes campaign – with the goal of changing attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol consumption and sexual consent.

Launched in December 2017 by the New Zealand Police, Don’t Guess the Yes recognises that we all have a role to play in putting a stop to sexual violence. Partners include Wellington City Council, Hospitality New Zealand, RespectEd Aotearoa, Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA), Massey Wellington Students’ Association (MAWSA), Massey University, and Victoria University of Wellington.

The initiative is led by the New Zealand Police, and each partner brings different strengths and audiences to the table. For example Hospitality NZ take a lead in the festive season with the training of bar staff and the university associations run social media campaigns in O-week. Wellington City Council provides some of the resources to help make it all happen.

Don’t Guess the Yes is designed to share messages and get the community talking about how informed consent is required for any sexual activity, how excessive alcohol consumption affects decision making; how to keep others safe; and call out attitudes and behaviour that support sexual violence. 

Messages such as:

• Sexual consent requires good communication, and it can be taken away at any time if any party feels uncomfortable.
• Someone who is severely intoxicated or drug affected cannot give informed consent to sexual activity.
• That it is unacceptable to blame or shame the victim of such behaviour.”

Find more from Wellington City Council (New Zealand, 2017-)

Read also from New Zealand Police (2020)