When Coasties visit the CBD, they'll find a safer environment, thanks to Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee approving a comprehensive safety plan.

The plan is supported by $4 million in funding from the City Centre Targeted Rate and will be rolled out over the next two financial years.

This development follows recent Police data (April - June 2024), which shows a 34 per cent drop in theft and burglary incidents compared to the same period in 2023.

This marks a significant reduction, nearly halving crime rates since their peak in January 2023.

Cr Josephine Bartley, Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, praised the collaborative effort behind the City Centre Community Safety Action Plan.

“Safety isn’t something that any one organisation can own alone, but the council has listened to feedback from the community and is taking it seriously,” Bartley said.

“By working with partner agencies like Police, outreach providers, and resident and business groups, we’ve been able to focus our collective efforts on actions that are already making a real difference.”

The plan includes several ongoing initiatives such as increased patrols by compliance wardens and officers, enhanced CCTV operations, and investment in community outreach programmes.

Mayor Brown stressed the importance of maintaining these efforts to continue the positive trend.

“We are working on a solid common ground approach with multiple agencies to formalise our path forward,” he said.

Simon Oddie, Priority Location Director - City Centre at Eke Panuku, highlighted the importance of safety improvements for the future of the city.

“We’ve thankfully turned a corner on safety in the city centre recently,” he noted, inviting residents to explore the revitalised area.

The plan also focuses on improving social and wellbeing outcomes for rough sleepers and vulnerable communities, with 36 individuals assisted into accommodation this year through referrals to social housing agencies.