Media Release 20 July 1999

"Good on you" for helping make Wellington a 'Safer City'

Wellington Mayor Mark Blumsky wants to say "Good on you" to the 150 or so Wellingtonians whose attendance ensured the success of last night's 'Safer City' public meeting.

"The people who braved the weather came prepared with good ideas and I was impressed by the quality of their submissions," says Mayor Blumsky.

Addressing the meeting, Mayor Blumsky said Wellington has gone from boring to vibrant in the last 10 years and the Wellington City Council was doing all it could to fuel that vibrancy.

"That vibrancy is a big part of my personal vision for the city, but public safety is a no less important part of that vision," he said.

Hurricane and Former All Black Norm Hewitt also addressed the meeting. His plan to form a club of sports mentors to counsel youth received a warm response.

Results of the meeting are being collated but some common themes have already emerged.

"A lot of people are concerned about youth not having enough to do, including young people themselves," says Mayor Blumsky.

"People at the meeting backed up our suggestions for more youth venues and regular events with a youth focus but asked that these be established in the suburbs as well as downtown.

"It was also pointed out that alcohol is too readily available to under-age drinkers. It seems there is no shortage of adults willing to buy alcohol for teenagers and we will investigate ways to prevent this in conjunction with the Police.

"Some key areas of the inner city are apparently too dark so we'll look at overhauling the lighting in those areas.

"We're also taking on board the reservations some people have about CCTV. While several people supported the concept, some expressed fears that CCTV might merely move the problem from one part of the city to another. We're now asking the Police who have been advocating the scheme for more evidence that CCTV actually prevents crime rather than just moving it.

"All in all, the meeting was a great success - many thanks to everyone who came and showed they care. Between us we can make Wellington an even safer place to be."

ENDS

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