Overview
Courtenay Place at night
In June 2006 the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised the city as a WHO Safe Community. Wellington is the only capital city in the world to currently have this status.
The city's safety is the result of strong partnerships between the Council, the Police, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Capital & Coast District Health Board. Together these groups work to address the complex safety issues in Wellington.
WHO Safe Community Status (696Kb PDF)
Safety Strategy
The Council's Safety Strategy includes a range of safety initiatives geared to improving safety, and the perception of safety, in public places.
Safety initiatives:
- safety audits
- supervised youth events
- city safety officers
- safe transport services
- a central city liquor ban
- research into closed circuit TV in the inner city
- lighting strategy
In 2004 the Council allocated $15 million to be spent over the following 10 years to support safety initiatives.
Safe in the City
Partying Safely
As part of the 2008 Safe in the City campaign and in partnership with the NZ Police and ACC, the Council has produced a guide to hosting a safe party.
The guide gives tips on the types of food and drink to provide and how to ensure your guests get home safely.
Planning a Party? Make Sure Your Guests Stay Safe in the City (155Kb PDF)
Closed Circuit Television
The Council operates closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance in the Te Aro area of central Wellington. The cameras are monitored by the Walkwise city safety officers, who have radio contact with the Police.
A trial of the cameras in 2003 showed they are a valuable tool in assisting the Police to prevent or reduce crime and disorderly behaviour, including burglary, assaults and vandalism.
The cameras are fixed in elevated positions at the following locations:
- corner of Cuba and Manners streets
- intersection of Dixon and Cuba streets
- corner of Taranaki and Manners streets.
Monitoring and use of images are carried out in accordance with the Privacy Act.
Related Links
- Capital and Coast District Health Board website
- Crime Prevention Unit - Ministry of Justice website
- Injury Prevention - ACC website
- News Release - 14.06.06
- NZ Police website
- Wellington Safety - Safe Communities Foundation NZ website
Department Details:
City Safety
