|
Regulatory and Safety Committee
01 April 2025
|
|
Initiation
of navigation, waste and food bylaw reviews
File No.: CP2025/01080
Te take mō te
pūrongo
Purpose of the report
1. To
seek approval to initiate the review of navigation, waste management and food
bylaws.
Whakarāpopototanga matua
Executive summary
2. This
is a process report that seeks approval to initiate the review of three bylaws
for which the Regulatory and Safety Committee has delegated responsibility.
3. In
October 2019, Auckland Council approved a new regional policy initiation
process to meet its co-governance roles and responsibilities, and statutory
requirements.
4. Staff
recommend the committee initiate the review of the following Auckland Council
bylaws in accordance with the scope, local board input and timeframes in this
report:
· Navigation Bylaw 2021
· Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2019
· Food Safety Information Bylaw 2020.
5. Taking
this approach will enable council to comply with its statutory requirements, collaborative
governance model and best practice.
6. In
assessing potential risks for the three reviews, there is a moderate risk that
certain stakeholders may think their views have not been sufficiently reflected
or that key review timeframes may not be met. These risks will be mitigated by
project management, compliance with statutory requirements and best practice.
7. If approved, staff will review all three bylaws as outlined in this
report.
Ngā tūtohunga
Recommendation/s
That the
Regulatory and Safety Committee:
a) whakaae
/ approve the initiation of the review of three Auckland Council bylaws in
accordance with the scope and timeframes in the agenda report:
i) Navigation
Bylaw 2021
ii) Waste
Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2019
iii) Food
Safety Information Bylaw 2020.
b) tuhi tīpoke /
note that the review of sections of the Navigation Bylaw relating to the
removal of skipper discretion for mandatory life jackets will be considered as
part of the bylaw review in (a)(i).
Horopaki
Context
Council’s
bylaw about navigation on Auckland’s waters requires review
8. The
Navigation Bylaw 2021 was made under the Local Government Act 2002 and Maritime
Transport Act 1994.
9. The
Navigation Bylaw 2021 seeks to ensure maritime safety and minimise the risk of
fatalities, injuries, nuisance, accidents, collisions and damage. It also
establishes an approval system for personal watercraft and moorings, and
outlines navigation safety requirements.
10. The
Navigation Bylaw 2021 was adopted by council on 24 June 2021 (GB/2021/68),
came into effect on 31 July 2021 and is administered by the
Harbourmaster.
11. A statutory review of the Navigation Bylaw 2021 is due by 24 June 2026 under the Local Government Act 2002. If this
date is not met, the Bylaw will expire on 24 June 2028 and to avoid a
regulatory gap, any new bylaw must be in place by that date.
Council
has also received a request for a separate review of life jacket bylaw
rules
12. At its
meeting of 5 December 2023, the Regulatory and Safety Committee (the committee)
received a request to amend clauses 18-20 of the Auckland Council Navigation
Bylaw 2021 in relation to the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). In
response, the committee requested staff advice to amend the Navigation
Bylaw 2021 (RSCCC/2023/68).
13. On
6 March 2024, staff suggested via memorandum, that the committee
“consider the request in the scheduled statutory bylaw review from early
2025”. The committee received this advice as part of the summary of information
memoranda (RSCCC/2024/30).
At its meeting in February 2025, the
Regulatory and Safety Committee sought similar advice for a separate review of
clauses related to PFD’s (RSCCC/2025/5). Staff
advice to this request is provided in paragraph 29.
Council’s
bylaw about waste management and minimisation requires review
14. The Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2019 (WMM Bylaw) was
made under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and Local Government Act 2002.
15. The WMM Bylaw manages and minimises waste, protects the public from
health and safety risks and nuisance, and manages the use of council-controlled
public places.
16. The
WMM Bylaw replaced the Solid Waste Bylaw 2012 and was adopted by the council on
22 August 2019 (GB/2019/83). It came into force on 26
October 2019 and is primarily administered by the Waste Solutions team.
17. A
statutory review of the WMM
Bylaw was due to be completed by 22 August 2024. The review was postponed to
allow for the adoption of Auckland’s Waste Minimisation and Management Plan 2024:
Towards Zero Waste in October 2024. An earlier
review would not have been able to adequately identify the appropriateness of
the WMM Bylaw to help implement
the updated waste plan.
18. The
WMM Bylaw will expire on 22
August 2026 under the Local Government Act 2002. To
avoid a regulatory gap, any new bylaw is required to be in place by that date.
Council’s
bylaw about the display of food grades requires review
19. The Food
Safety Information Bylaw 2020 (FSI Bylaw)was made under the Local Government
Act 2002 and Health Act 1956.
20. The
FSI Bylaw seeks to protect public health by requiring
operators of certain food businesses to display a valid food safety information
certificate. This includes businesses who use a Template Food Control Plan
registered and verified by the council under the Food Act 2014.
21. The FSI Bylaw
was adopted by council on 30 April 2020 (GB/2020/36), came into full effect on 31 December
2020 and is administered by the Licensing and Environmental Health team.
A statutory review of the FSI Bylaw is
due by 30 April 2025. This review date will not be met due to a prioritisation
of resource to complete the review of the policy and bylaw on dogs. To meet
statutory requirements to avoid a regulatory gap, any new bylaw (if still
required) must be in place by 30 April 2027.
Bylaw reviews are initiated by the
Regulatory and Safety committee and must meet statutory requirements
22. To
support a collaborative governance model, council adopted in
2019 the Local Board Involvement in Regional Policy, Plans and Bylaws –
Agreed Principles and Processes.
23. This
approach enables the Regulatory and Safety Committee to initiate and approve
the scope and timeframes of regulatory policy and bylaw reviews based on the
relevance to local board interests and statutory
requirements.
Table 1: Local board input to bylaw
review stages based on relevance criteria
|
Relevance to local boards
|
Local boards have input on
|
|
Options
|
Proposal
|
Public Feedback
|
|
Impacts local governance[1]
|
|
|
|
|
High community interest[2]
|
|
|
|
|
Low community interest[3]
|
|
|
|
24. Statutory
requirements and the collaborative governance model determine the steps that
any review of policies, plans and bylaws must undertake.
Figure
1: Regulatory policy review steps
Tātaritanga me ngā
tohutohu
Analysis and advice
Staff recommend the Regulatory and Safety Committee initiate and
set the scope of three bylaw reviews
25. Staff
recommend the committee initiate the review of the following projects in 2025:
· Navigation Bylaw 2021
· Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2019
· Food Safety Information Bylaw 2020.
26. The
recommended matters in-scope for each review are described in Table 2 below.
These matters will guide the assessment of each bylaw’s effectiveness and
identification of any improvements since the bylaws were last reviewed.
Table 2: Assessment of matters that are in and out of scope for each
bylaw review
|
Project
|
Matters in scope (ü) / Matters out of scope (û)
|
|
All
|
ü Review
in accordance with statutory requirements about bylaw appropriateness and
form
ü Investigation
to any new issues that come to light over the course of consultation
ü Research
and targeted engagement to inform findings, options and any proposal
ü Investigation
into suggested changes and improvements to the bylaw
ü Draft
proposal for adoption using special consultative procedure if required
û Implementation
and promotion of the bylaw and public information and guides which are the
responsibility of operational teams
û Advocacy
for legislative changes
|
|
Navigation
Bylaw 2021
|
ü
Investigation into the request from water
safety organisations about the compulsory use of Personal Floatation Devices
(PFDs) on recreational vessels (6m or less in length)
ü A
high-level approach to the review of other current bylaw topics
ü Close
collaboration with Harbourmaster
ü Requests
to update infringement regulations to align with any changes in proposal
û Review
of existing licenses and approvals that have been issued to date
û
Issues regulated by the Maritime NZ Rules
|
|
Waste
Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2019
|
ü
Assessment of new topics in the waste
plan to reduce construction and demolition waste using mandatory site
management plans, and an approval of clean fill operations
ü A
high-level approach to the review of other current bylaw topics, including
bylaw-related matters identified in the updated waste plan about
strengthening data collection from waste collectors and facilities, removing
redundant requirements, matters relating to multi-unit developments and waste
management and minimisation plans for events
ü Investigation
whether any new bylaw could be drafted to separate Waste Minimisation Act
2008 and Local Government Act 2002 clauses to ensure the review of any new
bylaw can occur after the review of the Waste Plan is reviewed without
expiring
û Review
of existing license holders and approvals that have been issued to date
|
|
Food
Safety Information Bylaw 2020
|
ü Close
collaboration with the staff in the Licensing and Environmental Health unit
ü Engagement
with a limited range of key external stakeholders, for example Ministry of
Primary Industries, industry organisations and public health experts
û Development
and implementation of any non-regulatory measures such as education which
would be the responsibility of the Licensing and Environmental Health unit.
|
27. In
relation to advice sought by the committee on a separate review of clauses
related to Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) (RSCCC/2025/5):
· Staff recommend that the review of PFD rules be included in the
statutory review of the Navigation Bylaw 2021, which this report seeks approval
to initiate
· Conducting a separate review of the PFD rules would duplicate key
review steps, resulting in an inefficient use of resource. The statutory review
will encompass all necessary steps to assess the PFD rules
· It is anticipated that the findings of the full review, including an
investigation into PFD rule, will be reported to the committee in August 2025.
Local board views will be sought on any proposal resulting from
the bylaw reviews
28. The
staff assessment in Table 3 below identifies the local board relevance for all
three bylaw reviews as high community interest.
29. This
means local boards will be informed of the review outcome and views sought on
any draft proposal and public feedback in accordance with the collaborative
governance model.
Table 3: Relevance and reasons related
to local board input and community interest
|
Topic
|
Relevance
|
Local board input and reasons
|
|
Navigation Bylaw 2021
|
High community interest, no impact on local governance
|
Local boards will be informed of the
review outcome. If any change is proposed, their views will be sought on any
draft proposal and public feedback.
Reasons: Changes to the bylaw may
have impact on how people can safely navigate Auckland’s harbours,
lakes and estuaries, and are therefore assessed as having high interest in
some communities.
|
|
Waste Management and Minimisation
Bylaw 2019
|
High community interest, no impact on local governance
|
Local boards will be informed of the
review outcome. If any change is proposed, their views will be sought on any
draft proposal and public feedback.
Reasons: Changes to the bylaw may
impact collection services or compliance obligations and are assessed as
having high interest.
|
|
Food Safety Information Bylaw 2020
|
High community interest, no impact on local governance
|
Local boards will be informed of the
review outcome. If any change is proposed, their views will be sought on any
draft proposal and public feedback.
Reasons: Changes to the bylaw may
impact food business owners and in general, public perception of food safety
in Auckland and are therefore assessed as having high interest in some
communities.
|
Key timeframes are determined by project complexity and local
board relevance
30. The
staff assessment in Table 4 below shows the indicative review timeframes for
each project by quarter. Each timeframe is largely determined by the complexity
of the project, local board relevance, matters in scope, legislative
requirements and best practice.
Table 4: Key bylaw review timeframes for
each project
|
Year
|
2025
|
2026
|
|
Project / Quarter
|
Q1
|
Q2
|
Q3
|
Q4
|
Q1
|
Q2
|
Q3
|
Q4
|
|
Navigation
|
|
|
|
|
Next steps based on findings and options
decision
|
|
|
|
Waste management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next steps based on findings and options
decision
|
|
Food safety information
|
|
|
|
|
Next steps based on findings and options
decision
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Key:
= Discovery | = Findings | =
Options
Staff recommend the Regulatory and Safety Committee initiate the
review of all three bylaws in 2025
31. Staff
recommend the committee initiate the review of bylaws related to navigation,
waste management and food safety information in 2025, in accordance with the
scope and timeframes in this report. This will enable the council to meet its
statutory requirements, governance approach and best practice.
Tauākī whakaaweawe
āhuarangi
Climate impact statement
32. This
is a process report. Climate impact will be assessed as part of each project.
Ngā whakaaweawe me
ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera
Council group impacts and views
33. This
is a process report. Input will be sought from affected units for each project.
Ngā whakaaweawe
ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe
Local impacts and local board views
34. The
impact of the bylaws are of high community interest. Local boards will be
informed of the review outcome and views sought on any draft proposal and
public feedback in accordance with the collaborative governance model.
Tauākī whakaaweawe
Māori
Māori impact statement
35. All three projects have relevance to Houkura (Independent
Māori Statutory Board’s) Māori Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau and the Schedule of Issues of Significance for Tāmaki Makaurau:
Table 5: Māori values and issues of
significance
|
Project
|
Māori values and issues of significance
|
|
Navigation
|
Supports Māori values of Whanaungatanga
(vibrant communities) and Manaakitanga (quality of life) by
ensuring safe recreational and cultural activities on Tāmaki
Makaurau’s navigable waters.
|
|
Waste management
|
Supports Māori values of Manaakitanga (quality
of life) by providing regulations that support access
to clean parks and reserves and sustainable energy use.
|
|
Food safety
information
|
Supports Māori values of Manaakitanga (quality
of life) by providing regulations that support access to clean and safe
cafes, restaurants and food stalls.
|
36. Further
impacts on mana whenua and mataawaka will be identified through research and
engagement during discovery, public consultation and deliberations (if any) for
each bylaw. Advice from Houkura will also be sought on consultation of any
statements of proposal.
Ngā ritenga
ā-pūtea
Financial implications
37. The
cost of the projects and their implementation will be met within the existing
budgets.
Ngā raru tūpono me
ngā whakamaurutanga
Risks and mitigations
38. Risks
identified in Table 6 below can be addressed through forward planning, project management, compliance with statutory requirements and best
practice.
Table 6: Risks, impacts and possible
mitigations of proposed bylaw reviews
|
IF
<event>
|
THEN <impact>
|
Possible mitigations
|
|
Certain stakeholders do not
believe their views have been sufficiently reflected in the review process
and decisions.
|
There is a
moderate reputational risk to council and low risk of judicial review.
|
Ensure
statutory review process is closely followed, highlight evidence base for
decision making.
|
|
If there are changes to the wider
bylaw review programme that impact resource allocation.
|
There is a
moderate risk of delays to project timeframes and expiry of the Navigation
Bylaw.
|
Forward
planning, early identification of stakeholders and clear advice of review
parameters and timelines.
|
|
Staff identify other research,
stakeholders or engagement that delays the completion of the project.
|
Best practice
and careful project management.
|
Ngā koringa ā-muri
Next steps
39. If
approved, staff will progress the review of all three bylaws in accordance with
the scope, local board input and timeframes identified in this report.
Ngā tāpirihanga
Attachments
There are no attachments for
this report.
Ngā kaihaina
Signatories
|
Authors
|
Bayllee Vyle - Senior Policy Advisor
|
|
Authorisers
|
Paul Wilson - Senior Policy Manager
Louise Mason - General Manager Policy
Rachel Kelleher - Director Community
|
|
Regulatory and Safety Committee
01 April 2025
|
|
City Centre
Community Safety Plan update
File No.: CP2025/04734
Te take mō te
pūrongo
Purpose of the report
1. To
provide the Regulatory and Safety Committee with a progress update on the City
Centre Community Safety Action Plan.
Whakarāpopototanga matua
Executive summary
2. The
City Centre Community Safety Action Plan (the Plan) was endorsed by the
Regulatory and Safety Committee
in August 2024. This report provides an update on implementation progress,
highlights, challenges and opportunities.
3. Key data indicates an improving or stabilising picture of safety
indicators. NZ Police report a strong improvement in
city centre safety over 2024. Crime prevention work is proving to be successful
and crime reductions are linear across the year.
4. Increased presence of beat police and
council’s Community Safety Team; investment through the Local Crime
Prevention Fund, and expansion of the Street Guardians programme are all
contributing to a safer city centre.
5. Some of the ongoing challenges in the city centre include an
increase in graffiti incidents, a concerning increase in drug usage as indicated in wastewater testing, housing
deprivation and people experiencing homelessness.
Ngā tūtohunga
Recommendation/s
That the Regulatory and Safety
Committee:
a) tūtohi / receive the progress update on
the City Centre Community Safety Action Plan.
Horopaki
Context
6. On
13 August 2024, the Regulatory and Safety Committee endorsed the City
Centre Community Safety Action Plan (the Plan)
(resolution RSCCC/2024/56).
7. The
goal of the Plan is to make the city centre a safer, more welcoming place for
everyone.
8. As
a component of the broader City Centre Action Plan managed by Eke Panuku, the
Plan is designed to effectively address crime and safety issues collectively.
It outlines how council responds to key opportunities through service
coordination and support; ensure unified backing from communities, businesses,
and the public; and prioritises the well-being of our residents, workers, and
visitors. Its purpose is to:
· Strengthen the joint agency approach with clear roles,
responsibilities and funded actions designed to deliver a safer city centre.
· Give greater visibility to, and grow confidence in, collective work
and progress.
· Enable faster identification of gaps in the community safety work
programme and adjust responses accordingly.
9. The
framework of the Plan recognises three areas of protection as outlined in the
table below.
Table 1: Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) values
|
Protection
through urban and special design
|
Protection
through the management of the quarter / neighbourhood
|
Protection
through social connectedness
|
|
Includes city planning with built-in safety feature
principles. Helping to create urban spaces that are easy to navigate, with
clear lines of sight; controlled access points and parking; ample lighting,
and a well-connected infrastructure. This also highlights the visibility of
Te Ao Māori and mana whenua within urban design.
|
Includes
cooperation between mana whenua and mataawaka entities; housing providers
(public and private); businesses and business associations; social and
wellbeing agencies; youth / rangatahi organisations; police; council;
educational institutions and economic development agencies.
|
Includes community and neighbourhood development;
improving understanding and application of Te Tiriti principles; building
greater awareness of mana whenua connection to this land; opportunities for
positive interaction between our diverse ethnic communities; building and
promotion of shared values and mutual trust between residents and visitors;
active community and interest group networks.
|
10. The
table below identifies the Plan’s key priorities for the first 6 - 12
months.
Table 2: Key Priority Areas of the
Auckland City Community Safety Plan
|
1
|
Together for Tāmaki Makaurau
Focuses on building collaboration, coordination,
enhanced communication and data sharing between NZ Police, security, patrols
and warden groups across the city centre. This includes realising the
potential of physical safety hubs for city centre patrols to operate from.
|
|
2
|
Mental health, alcohol and drug harm prevention, and
housing
Working across the partnership to advocate for
investment and service improvement in these critical areas of community
support.
|
|
3
|
Resourcing of NZ Police
Working across the partnership and with central
government to advocate for adequate levels of resourcing for NZ Police in the
city centre.
|
|
4
|
Community support and outreach
Provide targeted investment into services that ensure
social and wellbeing support can be provided to those in need.
|
|
5
|
Expansion of CityWatch
Increasing the staffing of CityWatch from 6 to 18
personnel. This includes an expansion of their patrol area and times of day,
and their ability to work with and support vulnerable people.
|
|
6
|
Audit of and investment in central city lighting
Assess key areas of concern and identify opportunities
for lighting improvements.
|
|
7
|
Enhanced CCTV monitoring
Provide resourcing to increase live monitoring of city
centre CCTV systems.
|
|
8
|
Night-time economy programme
Implement relevant recommendations from the Tātaki
Auckland Unlimited research into the city centre’s night-time economy,
including those with a specific community safety impact.
|
11. Below is a
high-level summary of the protection measures taken and outcomes.
Table 3: Summary of protection measures
undertaken and challenges recorded
|
Protection through
urban
and special design
|
Protection through the
management of the quarter / neighbourhood
|
Protection through
social connectedness
|
|
Queen Street's new layout
|
✓
|
Police Victimisation data
|
✓
|
Crime Prevention Programmes
|
✓
|
|
Upgrade of Myers Park
|
✓
|
City Centre Beat Watch
|
✓
|
Deprivation in the city centre
|
⬤
|
|
The Mayoral Drive end of Federal Street
|
✓
|
Public Safety and Nuisance requests
|
✓
|
Mental health and addiction
|
⬤
|
|
Ram raids occurrences
|
✓
|
|
|
Graffiti incidents
|
⬤
|
|
Wastewater testing results
|
⬤
|
|
Housing and homelessness
|
⬤
|
✓ Positive outcome ⬤ Challenge
Tātaritanga me ngā
tohutohu
Analysis and advice
12. Evidence
is showing positive movement in most areas. Where possible, comparisons are
made taking the most recent data available and comparing it with the same data
exactly a year ago. Context and limitations of the data must always be
considered with such complex social issues.
13. The
following table is a brief update of each priority area since the launch in
June 2024 followed by updates on key measures where data is available.
Table 4: Updates on the Key
Priority Areas of the Safety Plan
|
Priority
|
Update
|
|
1
|
Together for
Tāmaki Makaurau
|
|
|
Systems
for improved communications between NZ Police, Compliance and Safety
wardens. A Push to Talk System was tested in the central city utilising
CCTV Operators and patrolling staff. The test proved extremely effective and
is moving toward a full operational trail with NZ Police.
Police are
reviewing the potential to roll out to the wider security and safety network
in the central city. This will include security companies, CPNZ, Māori
Wardens, AT and Council.
LifeWise
opened a new community base in Myers Park on 19 February 2025, leased from
council.
|
|
2
|
Mental
health, alcohol and drug harm prevention, and housing
|
|
|
The
local Alcohol Policy is now enacted. A toolkit session was conducted with
council staff around the practical implications of the policy.
|
|
3
|
Resourcing
of NZ Police
|
|
|
A
new NZ Police base for the city centre has been announced, with plans to open
a public counter there by mid-2025.
There
are now 51 beat positions in the city centre through operation Safer Streets.
This is now business-as-usual resourcing.
NZ Police are
undertaking an evaluation of the deployment of beat policing teams in
Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
|
|
4
|
Community
support and outreach
|
|
|
Investment into the
city centre outreach workers and specialised social worker at Auckland City
mission.
The recruitment has
been completed and the social worker has commenced.
The two outreach
workers have also been recruited and have commenced.
Redesign of service at central library to
better meet the needs of clients in need of social support.
Manaaki Tangata, a
new well-being space has been activated for homeless tangata, funded by Eke
Panuku and Auckland Council.
|
|
5
|
Expansion of CityWatch
|
|
|
CityWatch has been replaced by a larger Community Safety
Team following the initial funding through the Mayor’s Office. It now
has 18 wardens dedicated to the central city through the targeted rate for a
further two years (18 months remaining).
|
|
6
|
Audit
of and investment in central city lighting
|
|
|
A
CPTED review of High Street has been completed and will contribute to the
plans for revitalisation.
|
|
7
|
Enhanced CCTV
monitoring
|
|
|
There are three
CCTV operators based with Auckland Transport in Fanshawe Street. The camera
network monitor the central city, seven days a week. They proactively observe
hot spots for anti-social behaviour across the city and quickly direct
compliance wardens and compliance staff to issues. They also alert police to
crime related issues.
|
|
8
|
Night-time economy
programme
|
|
|
Night-time economy project manager has been recruited through
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
|
Overview of NZ Police victimisation data: victimisation time and
place
14. Data
for January 2025[4] shows that total victimisation incidents in the city centre
decreased by 22 per cent from the same period in 2024. This is a 39 per cent
decrease in total victimisation incidents in the city
centre since its peak in January 2023. A month-to-month decrease of 0.4
per cent is noted from 1 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
Figure 1: Total victimisation
incidents from January 2022 to January 2025 in the city centre
15. Data for January 2025[5]
shows incidents of theft and related offences in the city centre decreased by
22 per cent from the same period in 2024. This is a 40 per cent decrease in
incidents since its peak in January 2023. An increase of 0.4 per cent was
recorded from 1 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
16. Most incidents of theft and related offences occurred during the
hours of 11am and 4pm and Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays had the highest
occurrences.
Figure 2: Incidents of
theft and related offences in the city centre from January 2022 to January 2025
in the city centre
17. Incidents of serious assaults resulting in injury in the city centre
for January 2025[6]
have decreased by 50 per cent
from the same period in 2024. This is a 62 per cent decrease in incidents since
its peak in March 2023. Also, a month-to month decrease of 41 per cent was
recorded from 1 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
18. Serious assault
occurrences were more prevalent on a Saturday and Sunday between the hours of
1am and 4am.
Figure
3: Incidents of serious assaults resulting in injury in the city centre from
January 2022 to January 2025 in the city centre
City centre beat watch
19. NZ Police report a strong improvement in city centre safety over
2024. Engagement with the community and the “back to basics” crime
prevention approach is proving successful.
20. The following areas have been identified for focus in 2025:
· Theft in the retail environment. This is currently the number one
crime type in the city centre. Retailers report, for multiple reasons, people
coming into the city specifically to steal from retailers in an organised
fashion.
· Reduction in violent
crime. The work in this space involves police deploying staff to specific
locations and specific times to prevent assaults occurring. Police are also
looking for offenders who are involved in multiple incidents and then doing
location-based work at the most regular spots.
· Engaging with youth. This is a current focus due to young people
being more likely to be the victims of crime in the city centre.
Public safety and nuisance requests for service in the city
centre
21. Auckland
Council compliance data from 1 July 2024 – 31 December 2024 related to
public safety and nuisance in the city centre was analysed. It included Request
for Service (RFS) as well as the Community Safety Teams’ proactive
findings.
Figure 4: Community Safety Team
Patrol data 1 July to 31 December 2024
22. The
most common activity logged is proactive general patrols where nothing of
concern / no major issue was identified. The compliance teams log a job when
they complete a patrol at a hotspot or location of interest, and in over half
(approximately 58 per cent – 2759 logged) of the entries, no issue was
found at the time of the patrol. This activity provides public visibility and
reassurance.
23. The most common patrol activity (approximately 15 per cent - 706
incidents logged) was interactions with rough sleepers or street whānau.
This could include wake ups, making referrals to social service agencies or
providing other support. At least nine per cent (417 incidents logged) of all
Community Safety Team Patrol interactions involved responding to or reporting a
disturbance. This can include alcohol or drug use vandalism, anti-social
behaviour including people yelling or being disruptive, harassment of public or
staff, and non-compliance with requests.
24. An additional two per cent (100 incidents logged) involved incidents
that potentially required support from NZ Police or Fire and Emergency New
Zealand (FENZ). These included shoplifting or theft, indecent behaviour,
aggressive behaviour, intimidations, people under the influence being erratic,
accidents, death and missing person reports.
25. Approximately five per cent (259 incidents logged) of all tasks were
community assistance. This can range from helping people find locations,
directions, calling taxis, checking on people’s health, and responding to
public enquiries or complaints on the ground.
26. Other
tasks include helping report or attending to maintenance/hazard events,
protesters, skateboarders, obstructions, aggressive begging, selling or
performing without a permit, education and moving people along.
27. Between July and December 2024 there were 42 Requests for Service
(RFS) regarding public safety and nuisance in the city centre. This is a 21 per
cent reduction in RFS since the previous report (February – June 2024).
Table 5: Requests for Service regarding public safety and
nuisance in the city centre July to December 2024
28. This decrease in public reporting may be the result of the increased
presence of the Community Safety Team and beat policing. Increased street
presence may have meant fewer calls to the council contact centre. This is
evident in the types of proactive jobs logged, which include close to 300 jobs
where members of the public have come up to the officers asking for assistance
or informing them about an issue.
29. Approximately 55 per cent of the RFS were for
‘Homelessness’ related jobs. The most common streets for
“Homelessness” complaints were Karangahape Road (six), Union Street
(two) and Wyndham Street (two). However, approximately 12 per cent of the jobs
related to ‘Homelessness’ complaints at one address on Karangahape
Road and all were reported in July.
30. The complaints regarding ‘Homelessness’ RFS related to
feeling unsafe and concerns about the rubbish, alcohol use, hygiene, dogs and
mess.
31. Request for service data shows a drop from eight
‘Homelessness’ complaints in the city centre in July 2024 to a
total of three in December 2024.
Figure 5: Monthly rough
sleep/homelessness requests for service 2024
32. Along with a focus on enhanced safety and security, the Plan
identifies improved social and wellbeing outcomes for rough sleepers and
vulnerable residents as a key objective. This includes a focus on early
intervention by compliance officers and wardens, who have helped to assist 36
rough sleepers from the city centre into accommodation this year through
referrals to social housing agencies.
Ram raids
33. Ram
raids are defined as incidents in which a vehicle is used to enter a retail or
commercial premise for the
purpose of facilitating a crime. Ram raids are a particular method of offence
and a subset of the wider set of serious victimisations that occur in retail
and commercial locations that include assaults, robbery and burglary.
34. Central government recently removed proposed legislation aimed at
reducing ram raid burglaries
and will focus on creating faster, stronger and more targeted responses to
repeat young offenders committing the most serious offences.
Table 6: Ram raid occurrences in Auckland City from 2022 to
2024
Figure 6: Ram raid occurrences Auckland
City district 2022 - 2024
|
Year
|
Month
|
Number of
occurrences in Auckland City
|
|
2022
|
Total
|
134
|
|
2023
|
Total
|
47
|
|
2024
|
Jan 2024
|
3
|
|
Feb 2024
|
3
|
|
Mar 2024
|
3
|
|
Apr 2024
|
3
|
|
May 2024
|
1
|
|
Jun 2024
|
|
|
Jul 2024
|
1
|
|
Aug 2024
|
|
|
Sep 2024
|
|
|
Oct 2024
|
|
|
Nov 2024
|
|
|
Dec 2024
|
|
|
Total 2024
|
14
|
35. A
total number of 171 prosecutions were made in Auckland City police district
since January 2022 and nearly half of these prosecutions (86) were youth
referrals.
Crime prevention programmes are making an impact
36. The establishment of new community police beat teams and the launch
of Operation Safer Streets in late 2024 aimed to target anti-social behaviour
and crime in the city centre. This investment is now permanent.
37. The additional 21 police staff provide increased support in the
busiest locations, from Karangahape Road, to downtown and along the viaduct.
Increased visibility deters crime and encourages a sense of safety through
positive engagement with the public and business owners.
Local Crime Prevention Fund
38. In February 2023, the New Zealand Government allocated $2 million
from the Proceeds of Crime Fund to invest in community safety initiatives in
Auckland, to be administered through Auckland Council.
39. Funding was distributed between Business Improvement Districts
(BIDs) and local boards. Regionally, $1 million was allocated to BIDs based on
their previous safety and security expenditure, and $1 million to local boards
based on the Locally Driven Initiative (LDI) distribution model (a calculation
of population, demographics and land area).
40. The objective of the programme was to address the impact of retail
and youth crime through a regional investment into Crime
Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
initiatives. The areas of focus for the funding were town centres and
programmes that could reduce the risk and impact of youth offending. A
summary of the programme has been provided to the Regulatory and Safety
Committee by way of memorandum.
Street Guardians
41. Street Guardians provide a twice-weekly opportunity for the
street community to spend a day doing activities with community
organisations – from fixing bikes and building planter boxes to planting trees and cleaning beaches. The
programme is popular, with most weeks oversubscribed, leading to weekly
waitlists at Auckland City Mission, who are responsible for delivering
the programme. Participants are offered a koha for their time.
Figure 7: Street
Guardians total numbers participating from August to November 2024
42. A
total number of 400 participants participated during August to November 2024 in
this programme. Of these participants, 85 per cent were male and 77 per cent
identified as Māori.
Challenges
Graffiti incidents
43. Graffiti incidents increased by 33 per cent from the second quarter
of 2023 and the number of RFS that come through the customer call centre
increased by 7.5 per cent. It should be noted that an increase of graffiti
incidents has been reported in the wider Auckland area.
44. The data provided is for the Waitematā Local Board area. Poster
and sticker removal was included to the central contract in June 2024, and this impacted incident numbers
and the workload of the contractor. The inclusion of graffiti removal inside
public toilets has also increased incident numbers.
Figure 8: Total graffiti incidents in
Waitematā from October to December 2024
45. When comparing monthly graffiti incidents for 2023 and 2024, it can
be noted that from an all-time high in incidents in August 2024 (2559) there
has been a steady decline since. The decline in incidents could be a result of
new contractor foot patrols.
Figure 9:
Monthly graffiti incidents in Waitematā for 2023 and 2024
Mental health and addiction linked to higher crime levels
46. Mental
health and addiction are closely linked to higher crime levels, as untreated
mental illnesses and substance abuse can impair judgment, increase impulsivity,
and lead to risky or illegal behaviour. People struggling with addiction
may resort to theft, violence, or other criminal activities to sustain their
substance use, while those with severe mental health disorders may act out due
to distress or lack of proper care.
47. A
significant percentage of individuals involved in offending or anti-social
behaviour in the city centre are impacted by one or multiple issues of poor
mental health and substance addiction.
48. Without
adequate support, such as access to mental health services and addiction
treatment, these issues can contribute to cycles of crime, incarceration, and
relapse, further straining communities and the justice system. Further
analysis of the state of, and gaps in the overall support system across
Auckland is required.
Significant increase in drugs in wastewater testing
49. The National Drugs in Wastewater Testing Programme provides a
measure of national illicit drug consumption by detecting methamphetamine,
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cocaine in wastewater.
50. Testing for the quarter ending in September 2024 revealed
significant annual increases in all three substances, and a particularly
dramatic increase for methamphetamine.
51. Northland and Waikato have the highest consumption across New
Zealand of the three substances per capita, followed closely by Auckland and
the eastern districts.
52. Several factors may explain why some regions exhibit higher
consumption per capita than others. Pricing of illicit substances plays a
significant role, with Auckland reporting the lowest gram prices for
methamphetamine.
Figure 10:
Methamphetamine consumption per capita (mg/day/1000 people)
High levels of deprivation are found in the city centre
53. The New Zealand deprivation index is an index of socioeconomic
deprivation based on census information. The higher the deprivation decile, the
more socioeconomically deprived the area with one representing least-deprived areas, and 10 representing most deprived areas.
54. The index is created by the University of Otago from census
variables across eight dimensions: communication, income, employment, qualifications, home ownership, support,
living space and dwelling condition.
55. According to 2023 Census data, a higher percentage of deprivation
level seven to nine are found in the city centre. A total of 41 per cent of people residing in the city
centre are aged 15 – 29 years and a high number of students.
However, as people aged 30 to 64 years represent 46.6 per cent
of the city centre’s population young people or students are not the only
group influencing the high deprivation levels in the city centre.
Figure 11: Percentage of socio-economic
deprivation in Auckland city centre compared with total New Zealand
Table 7: Deprivation level per area
|
Area
|
Deprivation level
|
|
Hobson Ridge Central
|
9
|
|
Symonds Street North West
|
9
|
|
Symonds Street West
|
9
|
|
Symonds Street East
|
9
|
|
Hobson Ridge North
|
8
|
|
Queen Street
|
8
|
|
Quay Street-Customs Street
|
8
|
|
Hobson Ridge South
|
8
|
|
Queen Street South West
|
8
|
|
Auckland-University
|
8
|
|
Karangahape East
|
7
|
|
Anzac Avenue
|
7
|
|
The Strand
|
7
|
|
Victoria Park
|
6
|
|
Shortland Street
|
5
|
|
Karangahape West
|
4
|
|
Wynyard-Viaduct
|
2
|
Housing deprivation and people experiencing homelessness
56. Homelessness statistics for Auckland have increased substantially
since 2018, indicating that current measures to address homelessness are
insufficient. Current data collected locally indicates a 53 per cent increase
in unsheltered sleeping in the last four months.
57. Addressing homelessness is a high priority for the city centre, and
safety for our most vulnerable communities is different from the rest of the
population. Responses need to be tailored to unique needs. The data available are those from city centre outreach teams
and compliance, and both of those put numbers at 30 – 40 individuals in
the city centre. These numbers are fluid and a guideline only.
58. Work is currently underway with a project that will help capture
numbers of people experiencing homelessness, but it is a long-term project that
requires multiple stakeholders to align.
59. Central government has set a target to reduce emergency housing by
75 per cent by 2030 and has already exceeded that in Tāmaki Makaurau. As of the end of January
2025 there was only one household in emergency housing in the city centre.
Table 8: A summary comparison of the Auckland
homelessness statistics between April 2018 and at the end of November 2024
|
Areas
|
Figures at
April 2018
|
Figures at
November 2024
|
|
Auckland
households in emergency housing
|
221
representing 23 per cent of the national figure
|
60 (down from
885 Nov 2023) – representing 9 per cent of the national figure
|
|
Individuals
on the public housing wait list in Auckland
|
3417 (48 per
cent of whom are Māori), representing 42 per cent of the national figure
|
6820 (47 per
cent of whom are Māori) – representing 32 per cent of the national
figure
|
|
Auckland
households in transitional housing
|
901 -
representing 42 per cent of the national figure.
|
2799 –
representing 44 per cent of the national figure
|
|
New
applicants in October to the social housing register
|
Nil data
|
1857
|
|
Applicants
on the social housing register nationally
|
8108
|
20,834
|
|
Applicants
on the transfer register
|
1819
|
4707
|
Tauākī whakaaweawe
āhuarangi
Climate impact statement
60. As this report is for the purpose of updating on progress, it has no
impact on Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri Auckland’s Climate Plan.
Ngā whakaaweawe me
ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera
Council group impacts and views
61. A
significant number of council teams and CCOs influence community safety
outcomes. They contribute to
and are accountable for a range of activities in the safety plan. Council teams
and CCOs providing input into, and delivery of the safety plan include:
· Proactive Compliance
· Community
Partnerships and Investment
· Regional
Homelessness Lead
· Parks and Community
Facilities
· Office of the Mayor
· City Centre
Programmes
· Community Action on
Youth and Drugs (CAYAD)
· Central Hub –
Central Library and Ellen Melville Centre
· Eke Panuku
· Auckland Transport
· Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Ngā whakaaweawe
ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe
Local impacts and local board views
62. Improving
public safety and perceptions
of safety is recognised by the Waitematā Local Board as a key challenge
for this term. “The local board plan supports a larger regional response
to this issue that collectively seeks to improve safety and wellbeing and seeks
to work with central government and community partners to support initiatives
and programmes to respond to this” (Waitematā Local Board Plan
2023).
63. The
local board received a written
and verbal update in the progress of the Plan from the Community Partnerships
and Investment team at a workshop on 4 March 2024.
Tauākī whakaaweawe
Māori
Māori impact statement
64. Recognising
and supporting the role of mana whenua and their cultural and historical bonds
to the land are an important
element of a safe and thriving city centre.
65. Key
areas of focus for improved
outcomes in the Plan include:
· Support
Māori-led organisations - partner with Māori-led organisations to
deliver programmes that support safe communities and well-being.
· Iwi engagement -
ensure that council and partners are engaging iwi in policy and direction
setting for safety in the central city.
· Visibility - ensure
that Te Ao Māori is visible in the urban design and planning of the
physical environment in the central city.
· Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Houkura - IMSB reviewed
and provided feedback on the Plan.
Ngā ritenga
ā-pūtea
Financial implications
66. Services
and programmes provided by Auckland Council are generally funded through the
Long-term Plan budget or at the local level through the local board work
programme.
67. The
City Centre Targeted Rate (CCTR) is providing an additional $2 million per
financial year until July 2026
to support extended investment into community safety and social wellbeing
initiatives in targeted areas.
68. Services led by partner organisations are a
mix of either fully funded, partially funded or volunteer led programmes. The
funding status is outlined in the Plan.
69. There
are no additional financial
implications for the Regulatory and Safety Committee in relation to receipt of
this report.
Ngā raru tūpono me
ngā whakamaurutanga
Risks and mitigations
70. An
Advisor Community Safety Outcomes has been appointed to monitor the delivery
and outcomes of the Plan, which
includes reporting on risks and challenges regarding achievement of key
outcomes.
71. A regular reporting
cycle provides oversight of progress and updates to the governance, advisory
and service delivery partners. This process supports timely risk mitigation.
Ngā koringa ā-muri
Next steps
72. To maintain momentum and ensure measurable progress, the next update
on the implementation of the
Plan will be made in July 2025. This will allow sufficient time for meaningful
developments and for more in-depth analysis of the current indicators.
73. A targeted rate investment review will be provided for the May 2025
meeting of the City Centre Advisory Panel providing a more thorough analysis of
the impact of those targeted interventions.
Ngā tāpirihanga
Attachments
There are no attachments for
this report.
Ngā kaihaina
Signatories
|
Authors
|
Duncan McLaggan - Manager Community Partnerships and
Investment
Anita van der Veer - Advisor
Community Safety Outcomes
|
|
Authorisers
|
Kenneth Aiolupotea - General Manager Community
Wellbeing
Rachel Kelleher - Director Community
|
