Friends of the Street is a voluntary, community-based organisation which aims to help young islanders and which has the support of the police. Its core service is giving island youngsters out and about at night a free and safe ride home. Its co-ordinator is Hera Mohns.
In 2004, as it took Waiheke High School students home from the school ball, the Friends of the Street van - or Paravan - was hit by a speeding driver. Five international students attending the school were seriously hurt.
The van was replaced with the help of community donations.