Boost in funding for Auckland Downtown safety measures welcomed by employers

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s announcement of an additional $570,000 for downtown safety initiatives has been met with approval from employers’ groups.

The funding will support the implementation of enhanced safety measures, including more CCTV camera operators and the establishment of three pilot safety coordination hubs at strategic locations such as Queens Wharf, High Street, and Day Street.

These hubs will serve as operational bases for various community patrol groups, including Community Patrols NZ, Māori, Pacific, and ethnic patrol groups.

Alan McDonald, head of advocacy at the Employers and Manufacturers Association, told state media he was optimistic about the funding boost, as theft rates in downtown retail outlets increased compared to other areas in Auckland. McDonald said the upgrade of security measures should focus not only on night time crowds but also for incoming cruise ships.

The expansion of Auckland Council’s CityWatch team, tasked with monitoring areas prone to nuisance behaviour, is also part of the initiative.

Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck advocated for the reinstatement of a downtown police station, closed in 2013, highlighting its potential to improve response times and act as a deterrent against crime.

Despite the absence of a dedicated downtown police station, Auckland Central area commander Inspector Grant Tetzlaff reassured the public that ensuring public safety in central Auckland remains a top priority for the police, with resources deployed ‘strategically’ to address high-demand areas and prevent crime.

Image credit: Pawel Czerwinski