Councils, police, hospitality launch plan to address Wellington safety issues

Thursday, 25 March 2021

A multi-agency approach has been launched after a meeting regarding safety in Wellington’s central city. (File photo).

For the first time in at least 30 years, every bar owner from Courtenay Place came together, alongside the mayor, councillors, retailers, police and representatives of two MPs, to recognise rising concerns around safety in Wellington’s central city.

Following that meeting on Monday, attended by about 50 people, a multi-agency “social contract” has been launched, which includes a commitment by the Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, hospitality operators, retailers, and police to take collective action to address crime and disorder.

The initial plan includes the creation of a code of conduct for bar patrons, exploring a blanket trespass ban, a community base for social agencies to be located in the Opera House, brighter street lighting and a review of the full range of public transport night services.

Previously, police acknowledged areas of the central city, particularly Courtenay Place, were over-represented for disorder and assault.

Mayor Andy Foster says Wellington isn’t alone with the problems it is experiencing, but that the nature of the problems has changed since lockdown.

* MP Nicola Willis says she doesn't feel safe walking through central Wellington

* 'Worst I've seen in 20 years': Hospitality workers grapple with crime in central city

A joint report from police and Wellington City Council found a consistent level of anti-social behaviour is occurring at Te Aro Park.

A report released in September found a “consistent level of anti-social behaviour” at Te Aro Park, with some issues being reported every hour of every day.

Monday’s meeting was organised by hospitality operator Matt McLaughlin. The hospitality industry is launching a range of initiatives as part of the social contract.

Mayor Andy Foster said Wellington was not alone with the problems it was experiencing.

”We’ll be working with central government, mana whenua, police, hospitality operators, retailers, NGOs, universities, Chamber of Commerce, building owners and more.

”[The meeting] was a very clear recognition that there is a problem and also that the nature of the problem has changed since lockdown.

“There has always been an issue with alcohol management which council, police and hospitality have to continually work on together. But clearly an increasing issue post-lockdown is an apparent increase in gang activity and from the emergency housing of a substantial number of people, often with issues, where it appears that they don't have the necessary support. This is something we are already engaging with government agencies on,” he said.

Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson, who had a representative attend Monday’s meeting, said he was committed to working with the groups to implement the initiatives.

If a blanket trespass ban is implemented, troublesome patrons could see themselves banned from multiple bars in the city. (File photo).

“I will be taking these ideas to my colleagues in government to see what can be done to help address these issues.”

Currently, clients in emergency housing might not automatically qualify or receive the support services offered, Robertson told Stuff. “The feedback I am getting is that the support is provided, but we just have to make sure it's there at the right time and place.”

National List MP Nicola Willis, who last week said she didn’t feel safe walking in the CBD, was also represented at the meeting.

She said admitting there was a problem was the first step.

“I am really pleased to see this broad acknowledgement that these issues are serious and must be confronted,” she said.

Hospitality operator Matt McLaughlin, who organised the meeting, said a code of conduct for patrons would be introduced, as well as the employment of a security liaison staff member, who would engage cohesively with security across all bars.

“We are also working on a blanket trespass notice that may see some people banned from all licensed venues in the Te Aro area.”

Area Commander Inspector Dean Silvester said police would be proactively monitoring the liquor ban in the central city.

Last weekend when thousands attended Homegrown on the waterfront, 50 people were fined for having open alcohol on the street.

Regional Council chair Daran Ponter said the council fully supported the new plan and was looking to review the full range of public transport night services.

Councillor Tamatha Paul, who holds the city safety portfolio, said active bystander intervention played a massive role in preventing harm.

“This is a chance for all of us to pledge to lead the way in making our city as safe as it can be.

“This includes continuing to work with central government to ensure that vulnerable inner-city residents have the support they need.”