Project Papa Waka was a vehicle crime reduction project that ran from 2005 to 2008.
It was a joint project with partners including Ministry of Justice Crime Prevention Unit, NZ Police, Department of Conservation, Neighbourhood Support, Victim Support and Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing.
Activities completed as part of this project included the following :
- Implementation of new signage at different sites.
Implementation of CPTED recommendations.
Creation and distribution of an informational flyer for visitors. Accommodation providers and some key tourist attractions hold these and give them to visitors. To download a copy of the flyer, click here. (846KB)
Installation of CCTV at four new carparks around the district.
An education campaign, known as - Beat that Thief: Excellent results were achieved, with a 56% reduction in car crime.
The detrimental effects of long term truancy on individuals and communities have been well documented by numerous researchers. As in other regions, truancy and non-enrolment has been a focal issue in the Rotorua District for some time.
A local Rotorua truancy action group has been established. Key
organisations involved in this are: individual Rotorua District schools; NZ Police; Ministry of Education; Child, Youth and Family; Family and Community Services, Ministry of Social Development; Rotorua District Council; District Truancy Service; and NZ Police.
Current activities:
- Establishment of 'Truant Free' shopping areas. Posters and a guide for retailers were developed to support this initiative.
- To download a media release about this initiative click here.
- To download a copy of 'Truant Free Shopping Areas: A Guide For Retailers' click the following link: RetailersGuide2008.pdf (3.7MB)
- Research into drivers of truant behaviour. To download a copy of the research report click here (307KB).
Curbing Alcohol Related Violence (CARV) is a new opportunity for Rotorua District Council to work in collaboration with NZ Police, the Crime Prevention Unit (Ministry of Justice), Lakes District Health Board, Iwi, and other stakeholders to reduce alcohol related harm and injury.
Project CARV has a clear aim of reducing alcohol related violence within a two year timeframe, with a consequent freeing up of Police and other resources. The project is funded by the Crime Prevention Unit.
Rotorua has been selected as a demonstration site for Project CARV along with Napier/Hastings and Queenstown.
Rationale for Project CARV:
- There is growing public anxiety about alcohol related violence and anti-social behaviour.
- Alcohol related violence remains stubbornly high in some areas of New Zealand.
- There are currently insufficient initiatives to reduce alcohol related violence.
- International and national evidence shows that combining evidence-based prevention with proactive enforcement is most likely to achieve significant sustainable crime reductions.
Rotorua District Council will appoint a project manager to coordinate Rotorua’s activities relating to Project CARV.
Rotorua District Council, through a relationship with the Rotorua Trust, have been able to upgrade the existing CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) network and cameras, moving to a “night vision” quality camera and a more sophisticated monitoring system. In addition, new camera sites are being established in and around the new Energy Events Centre and wider Government Gardens.
In late 2007, RDC also adopted a policy on the expansion of the CCTV network. This polcy is to ensure a thoughful approach is taken when deciding on the placement of new CCTV, rather than following an ad-hoc approach. To download policy click the following link: RDCStrategicExpansionofCCTVnetwork.pdf (454KB)
Rotorua District Council is continuing its work on reducing crime in the city by drafting a bill which would give the police powers to remove repeat dishonesty offenders from Rotorua's CBD for a period of time.
In 2005 the Ministry of Justice published the National Guidelines for Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in New Zealand. These guidelines are designed to help local authorities, architects and urban planners in creating safer public spaces.
Principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) can be applied to new development and redevelopment to improve an area’s security, for both people and property, as well as enhancing the quality of the local environment.
So what is CPTED?
Generally, CPTED is a crime prevention philosophy based on proper design and effective use of the built environment. CPTED principles can help reduce crime and fear of crime.
What are the main CPTED principles?
The seven qualities for well-designed safer public spaces are:
- Access: there are well-designed routes, spaces and entrances so people can move around conveniently and safely.
- Surveillance: Crime is less likely where there is maximum visibility with clear sightlines.
- Layout: public spaces are laid out in a way that discourages crime and enhances perceptions of safety.
- Mix of activity: Crime is less likely in public spaces used by a mix of people at all times.
- Sense of ownership: There is more respond for public spaces where there is a sense of community ownership.
- Quality environments: Crime is less likely in public spaces that are well designed, well managed and well maintained.
- Physical Protection: This is the addition of more security features into urban designs so crime is harder to commit and there is a greater chance of getting caught.
Rotorua District Council project areas - CPTED in action...
RDC offered training in June and July 2008 for members of the Rotorua Tourism Industry. The courses were presented by Mr. Tony Lake of the Internal Security Management and Crime Prevention Institute (based in Australia).
Participants were able to learn key principles of CPTED and examines practical examples of CPTED in action.
The two day courses were attended by local accommodation providers, tourism attractions/activities and a local dairy owner and each attendee filled out an evaluation sheet at the conclusion of the course. A sample of feedback included:
•"Now I've done this course I'll never look at my surroundings the same again"
•"I enjoyed the sharing and the thoughts of other people on the course"
•"This course has created for me a better understanding of crime prevention"
•"Really enjoyed the cours - one of the best I've attended. Thank you"
•"Good job! We need more future workshops like this so the public gets well informed"
RDC hopes to be able to offer this training opportunity to the Rotorua community again in the future.