The Howick Local Board has allocated its share of the Crime Prevention Safety Initiatives fund to several partner organisations, to address specific safety concerns in the area.
As part of the $2 million one-off Local Crime Fund made available by the Government announced in 2022, the funding supports and enhances current community-led partnerships that aim to prevent youth crime, as well as town centre and retail crime.
Following a decision of the Governing Body, half of this was distributed to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) based on their existing spend on crime prevention with the Howick Village Business Association receiving $2,000 and Business East Tāmaki receiving $5,195.
The Howick Local Board received $81,718 from the fund to go towards youth prevention initiatives or town centre improvements for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) measures.
Board chair Damian Light says,” No one should feel unsafe in their own community and, while crime prevention is a central government responsibility, we’re grateful for the funding and opportunity to target local areas of concern. We’ve prioritised practical initiatives that will help address the challenges facing our residents and business owners.”
The following providers received funding and offer the following:
Business East Tāmaki received an additional $9,000, for their long-term placement of surveillance cameras and one-time consultation with Safer Cities.
“Business East Tāmaki and local Police have compelling evidence showing that these number plate recognition cameras have been very effective at deterring and solving crime. Making sure they’re in the right place will help deliver the greatest return on investment and we’re pleased to be able to enable this,” says Light.
Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
Funding of $44,718 will see a Neighbourhood Support Coordinator pilot programme to provide Flatbush with the dedicated resource. It would also provide coordination support for Howick, Botany and Pakuranga. In addition to this, they will also provide designated support to ongoing neighbourhood initiatives and enhance crime prevention efforts in Ormiston.
Light comments, “We’re confident that empowering our local community to support and protect each other will help improve both safety and resilience. Volunteers have done an incredible job at rebuilding the local network and this additional resource will help support their mahi.”
Focus on Youth
A total funding of 28,000 is allocated to the following organisations / groups:
In response to alarming reports of anti-social, bullying, and risky behaviour among young people at Howick Library and Botany Town Centre, particularly concerning considering Te Taiwhanga Taiohi – East Auckland Youth Space, funding will allow Blue Light to enhance its programs tailored for young men aged 15-18, aimed at facilitating pathways to success. The board will collaborate with the library to identify schools in need of these initiatives.
Creative and community collaborator in operation of Te Tuhi - Te Taiwhanga Taiohi (youth space), Te Tuhi will be running responsive and self defence programmes. Additionally, Sowers Trust Youth Support will provide similar youth programs and will collaborate with Howick Library and youth workers to engage these young people positively, striving for constructive change with sensitivity and accountability.
What you can do to help
Report all crimes or suspicious behaviour to the Police: for emergencies, call 111; for non-urgent issues, use Police 105 (including the online option at www.police.govt.nz/use-105).
Locals interested in getting involved could volunteer with local organisations like community patrols or Neighbourhood Support.
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