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Napier gains ‘International Safe City’ accreditation in styleBarbara Arnott, Mayor of Napier
Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott said “Results on the ground is what really matters. Napier is blessed with committed, passionate people working together to make a safer, healthier community for all of us. The “International Safe City” accreditation celebrates this.” The Site Visit Review Team was addressed on the various projects concerning community safety, injury prevention, crime prevention, community renewal, social housing and fire safety undertaken in Napier city. Dr Carolyn Coggan, Director of the New Zealand Certifying Centre who led the site visit, says Napier was the largest committee with 20 partner organisations and it was a good representation of community, central government agencies partnering with Napier City Council. “The dedication and commitment of all those involved in working towards Napier becoming an International Safe Community has been well demonstrated and I’m pleased to announce that each of the six criteria has been achieved,” Carolyn says. Carolyn was impressed with the amazing commitment from volunteers; the reach and effectiveness of both Neighbourhood Support and Community Patrols throughout Napier; the commitment of Housing New Zealand to improving community safety for vulnerable groups; the comprehensive approach adopted by the Fire Service to work with at-risk youth; the support from Council; the leadership provided by the Police and their proactive approach to community safety, “and last but by no means least the dedication and commitment from all members of the Safe Community Napier Committee.” Chairman Rob Lutter says “It has been a great achievement to gain ISC accreditation. This process has taken almost three years and showed commitment and work to develop a plan for Napier. This is just the start, we as a collective will continue to develop new collaborative strategies that will improve the safety and well being of this city." Napier city will celebrate the achievement, receiving a plaque and flag from the Safe Communities Foundation New Zealand, a Certifying Centre of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Community Safety Promotion, at an award ceremony in September. Barbara Arnott |
