News

Dunedin Central City Safety Advisory Group - Update 26 August

Mike Collins (CEO at Business South) is part of the Central City Safety Advisory Group to help advocate for a safe city centre. The group has representatives from the DCC, Police, Otago Regional Council, the Principals Association, Business South, mana whenua, Pacific Trust Otago and youth representatives.

We will be posting regular updates on what is being discussed in this group

Below are the key messages and actions from the last meeting:

Otago Regional Council has launched a bus safety campaign aimed at encouraging respect and kindness among bus users.
- Posters will be put up in buses and around the city to remind bus users that “It’s cool to be kind”.
- The campaign encourages bus users to report any problems by calling Orbus on 0800 672 8736, or 111 in an emergency, or 105 for a non-emergency.
- Here’s a link to their social post
From a Police perspective, the focus is on reporting so that the Police are escalated to.
- If anything adverse is happening now or someone is in danger call 111.
- If it's in the past or a non-emergency, calling 105 or reporting online.
- CCTV cameras are in operation in the Bus Hub and surrounding areas.
- There will continue to be a greater police presence at the hub.
- Emily, Community Constable visibility with Murphy to build trusted relations with youth and encourage reporting.
Secondary schools completed a survey of 1300 students and the findings from this report will help inform the group's priority actions to improve safety for our youth.
Suggestions were made to explore social workers as support staff visible in the bus hub, having the right skills to de-escalate and have the right conversations of support.
Age Concern is being consulted and included as a stakeholder into the working group.