Latest news with #CitySafetyandWellbeingPlan
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Scoop
Safety Points Trial Aimed At Making Streets Feel Safer
Press Release – Wellington City Council Safety Points, clearly marked intercoms that connect people to help immediately if theyre feeling unsafe or need support in the city, have been installed in three different locations in Wellingtons central city. Another exciting new initiative from Wellington City Council's City Safety team is going live in Pōneke this week. Safety Points, clearly marked intercoms that connect people to help immediately if they're feeling unsafe or need support in the city, have been installed in three different locations in Wellington's central city. They'll be installed for a trial period of 6-9 months, during which time data will be collected on how they're used, and the process behind them tested and refined, ultimately providing a better service to Wellingtonians. They can be found at the following locations: Cuba Mall (near 117 Cuba Street) Te Aro Park (19 Dixon Street) Courtenay/Allen Street (35 Courtenay Place) All three locations are visible through our existing CCTV camera network and have lots of foot traffic. Anyone feeling uncomfortable or unsafe in these areas can push a button to talk to someone via the intercom immediately. A safety operator will be on the other end of the intercom 24/7, and will be able to provide immediate guidance to the person on the other end of the intercom, and coordinate help to be sent their way if needed. The cameras have been put in places that can be seen through existing CCTV, so safety operators can monitor the person until they feel safe. Using our existing network of CCTV cameras helps reduce the cost for this trial, as that infrastructure is already in place. City Safety Senior Responsible Officer Sehai Orgad says the Safety Points are part of a broader shift in how Wellington City Council is approaching public safety. 'We've heard the concerns about feeling unsafe at night, and the Safety Points are a practical step we're taking to respond — visible, simple, and easy to use. They're strategically located, and linked into our CCTV network so we can monitor what's happening and connect people to help when it's needed. 'But we're not just installing hardware, we're changing the way we work. Our operators are starting to take a more active role in supporting city safety, alongside Police, our Urban Liaison Officers, and community patrols. 'This is a new model for us, and we're learning as we go. We're asking the public to be patient as we test and refine how this works in practice. The Safety Points won't solve everything, but they are part of a more visible, coordinated, and people-focused safety presence in the city.' Sehai says the Safety Points are one of several new initiatives being delivered through the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan — a refreshed and more joined-up approach to creating a city that feels safe, welcoming, and connected for everyone. The cost of delivering the Safety Points trial — including installation, integration into our CCTV network, and 24/7 operator support — is an estimated $50,000. This investment supports a more connected, visible, and responsive city safety system.
Scoop
22-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Safety Points Trial Aimed At Making Streets Feel Safer
Another exciting new initiative from Wellington City Council's City Safety team is going live in Pōneke this week. Safety Points, clearly marked intercoms that connect people to help immediately if they're feeling unsafe or need support in the city, have been installed in three different locations in Wellington's central city. They'll be installed for a trial period of 6-9 months, during which time data will be collected on how they're used, and the process behind them tested and refined, ultimately providing a better service to Wellingtonians. They can be found at the following locations: Cuba Mall (near 117 Cuba Street) Te Aro Park (19 Dixon Street) Courtenay/Allen Street (35 Courtenay Place) All three locations are visible through our existing CCTV camera network and have lots of foot traffic. Anyone feeling uncomfortable or unsafe in these areas can push a button to talk to someone via the intercom immediately. A safety operator will be on the other end of the intercom 24/7, and will be able to provide immediate guidance to the person on the other end of the intercom, and coordinate help to be sent their way if needed. The cameras have been put in places that can be seen through existing CCTV, so safety operators can monitor the person until they feel safe. Using our existing network of CCTV cameras helps reduce the cost for this trial, as that infrastructure is already in place. City Safety Senior Responsible Officer Sehai Orgad says the Safety Points are part of a broader shift in how Wellington City Council is approaching public safety. 'We've heard the concerns about feeling unsafe at night, and the Safety Points are a practical step we're taking to respond — visible, simple, and easy to use. They're strategically located, and linked into our CCTV network so we can monitor what's happening and connect people to help when it's needed. 'But we're not just installing hardware, we're changing the way we work. Our operators are starting to take a more active role in supporting city safety, alongside Police, our Urban Liaison Officers, and community patrols. 'This is a new model for us, and we're learning as we go. We're asking the public to be patient as we test and refine how this works in practice. The Safety Points won't solve everything, but they are part of a more visible, coordinated, and people-focused safety presence in the city.' Sehai says the Safety Points are one of several new initiatives being delivered through the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan — a refreshed and more joined-up approach to creating a city that feels safe, welcoming, and connected for everyone. The cost of delivering the Safety Points trial — including installation, integration into our CCTV network, and 24/7 operator support — is an estimated $50,000. This investment supports a more connected, visible, and responsive city safety system.
Scoop
06-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Wellington Businesses And Residents Team Up For Tidy-Up
Press Release – Wellington City Council Wellington City Council is partnering with local businesses and community groups for two clean-up days coming up for Courtenay Place and Cuba Street. Courtenay clean up (Photo/Supplied) This initiative is a tangible way for us to demonstrate our … Wellington City Council is partnering with local businesses and community groups for two clean-up days coming up for Courtenay Place and Cuba Street. 'This initiative is a tangible way for us to demonstrate our collective pride in Wellington and create a more welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits our beautiful city,' says Council's Central City Manager, Prak Sritharan. 'A clean and well-maintained city centre fosters a stronger sense of community ownership, boosts local morale, and reinforces Wellington's reputation as a world-class capital.' Previous clean-up initiatives have been popular, and there have been calls for more TLC operations in well-populated areas – and everyone's welcome to lend a helping hand. These community clean-ups complement the awesome mahi of the street cleaning team and contribute to the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan. The clean-ups include litter collection, a deep street clean and graffiti removal. Equipment will be provided. Volunteers are asked to just bring good vibes and weather-appropriate clothing. Volunteers can come along for the morning or just for a short stint. Courtenay Place clean-up: When: Monday 9 June Time: 9am – 12pm Meeting point: Outside Lucky Chicken, Courtenay Place Cuba Street clean-up: When: Tuesday 17 June Time: 9am – 12pm Meeting point: Cuba Street playground These clean-ups are part of the wider mahi to rejuvenate the central city, alongside our partners at DCM, Greater Wellington, NZ Police, and Inner-City Wellington.
Scoop
06-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Wellington Businesses And Residents Team Up For Tidy-Up
Wellington City Council is partnering with local businesses and community groups for two clean-up days coming up for Courtenay Place and Cuba Street. 'This initiative is a tangible way for us to demonstrate our collective pride in Wellington and create a more welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits our beautiful city,' says Council's Central City Manager, Prak Sritharan. 'A clean and well-maintained city centre fosters a stronger sense of community ownership, boosts local morale, and reinforces Wellington's reputation as a world-class capital.' Previous clean-up initiatives have been popular, and there have been calls for more TLC operations in well-populated areas – and everyone's welcome to lend a helping hand. These community clean-ups complement the awesome mahi of the street cleaning team and contribute to the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan. The clean-ups include litter collection, a deep street clean and graffiti removal. Equipment will be provided. Volunteers are asked to just bring good vibes and weather-appropriate clothing. Volunteers can come along for the morning or just for a short stint. Courtenay Place clean-up: When: Monday 9 June Time: 9am – 12pm Meeting point: Outside Lucky Chicken, Courtenay Place Cuba Street clean-up: When: Tuesday 17 June Time: 9am – 12pm Meeting point: Cuba Street playground These clean-ups are part of the wider mahi to rejuvenate the central city, alongside our partners at DCM, Greater Wellington, NZ Police, and Inner-City Wellington.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Scoop
New Urban Liaison Officers Boost Safety In Wellington CBD
Wellington's central business district has received a significant boost in safety this week as a dedicated team of Urban Liaison Officers (ULOs) start working to reduce harm and provide support on our streets. 'The deployment of our new Urban Liaison Officers reflects our proactive approach to community safety. This team will be an asset to our city, working with hospitality, assisting people experiencing homelessness, and being a friendly face for anyone requiring assistance in our CBD,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'A dedicated Safety Hub, which will serve as a central point for collaboration and support, will be operational very soon to further bolster our efforts to make our streets safer and more welcoming,' adds Mayor Whanau. Councillor Teri O'Neill, Chair of Wellington City Council's Kōrau Mātinitini Social, Cultural & Economic Committee, says: 'Whether it's a student heading home after a late shift, a business owner dealing with antisocial behaviour, or someone sleeping rough that needs support – this team is here to help. 'This is about meeting people where they're at, not waiting for things to go wrong. A true boots-on-the-ground response, built with the people of Pōneke.' A fresh initiative from the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan, Urban Liaison Officers will work with businesses, police, social services and other organisations and the wider City Safety team on initiatives to reduce harm where possible. The team will be out and about in our city from today and, starting in July, they will provide support from Thursday to Saturday evenings as well. The Council's City Safety and Wellbeing Senior Responsible Officer, Sehai Orgad, says the team is just one of a raft of initiatives stemming from the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan. 'They'll be trained in first-aid and emergency management procedures, and they'll be proactive and engaged with our community and businesses. 'The team will be out on the streets every day to support the community, keep a close eye on what's happening, and step in when needed. Whether it's assisting the public, working alongside Police at night, or checking in with retailers and hospitality staff, they're here to help keep the city safe and welcoming. They regularly assess risks in real-time with CCTV teams, report hazards or graffiti, and coordinate with social services and other partners to look after the wellbeing of everyone in our city.' The new Safety Hub will be in the Te Pokapū Hapori site at 105 Manners Street, which has been a community centre run by the Y since 2022. Sehai says the Y has done an excellent job running the centre, and the Council is grateful for the mahi they've done. From 1 July work will begin developing it into the Safety Hub, which will provide a space for City Safety teams like Urban Liaison Officers, and other groups like the police beat team, and community patrols. It will also be a space for safety training for initiatives like Safer Venues training, and the Eyes On initiative. The Hub will be open at times that support the City Safety team, and to support different initiatives operating on the ground. The City Safety and Wellbeing Plan outlines collaborative, adaptable actions designed to address the evolving needs of the city, and enhance the experience of everyone who lives, works, and plays in Pōneke. It focuses on targeted interventions that deliver meaningful results and is dynamic and designed to adapt to the changing needs of our city. The plan is built on strong existing partnerships between the Council, Police, local businesses, community organisations, and residents in our inner-city neighbourhood.
