8 Jun 2016

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A refreshed five-year strategy to promote a safer Christchurch has been unveiled, as the city celebrates re-accreditation as an International Safe City.

Deputy Mayor Vicki Buck and Christchurch City Council Chef Executive Karleen Edwards this week signed the city’s designation as a “Safe Community”, accredited by the Pan Pacific Safe Community Network, alongside 13 other key agencies working towards safe communities.

The status showsthe city’s commitment to reducing the burden and incidence of crime and injury within the community.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the accreditation and renewed Safer Christchurch Strategy was a credit to the city's community networks.

“Since its last update in 2008, the Safer Christchurch Strategy has come a long way to capture what our city has learnt about community, leadership and safety. Eight years ago, Safer Christchurch described agencies and non-government organisations coming together under the shared idea that safe communities give people a sense of belonging and of being valued.

“That shared commitment helped carry us through the earthquakes’ immediate aftermath, demonstrating more than ever that local leadership and strong community relationships are essential. Now, the renewed focus of Safer Christchurch on community-led and neighbourhood-based safety recognises this.”

Safer Christchurch is a multi-agency group made up of partners with an interest in safety in the city.

Safer Christchurch Chair Paul Lonsdale said achieving accreditation was an important milestone.

“Since the earthquakes of 2011, 2012 and beyond, Christchurch has faced significant challenges as it rebuilds but the fundamental things that remain constant are the indomitable Christchurch spirit and sense of community.

“Through this adversity, we have been given opportunities – once in a lifetime opportunities to rethink and redesign our city; to make it into one that is world class, well designed, safe, vibrant, fun, accessible and inclusive.

“Community is at the heart of our solutions and this refreshed strategy, 2016-2021, clearly supports the importance of thriving local communities and neighbourhoods, and the role they play in fostering a sense of safety.”

The Safer Christchurch Strategy is a multi-agency, city-wide strategy, with Christchurch City Council taking the lead to implement in five priority areas:
• Proactive partnerships that have a shared commitment to a safe city
• Reducing and preventing injuries
• Reducing and preventing the incidence and effects of crime
• Enhancing safety on our roads
• Building in Safety

Council Community Support Team Manager Claire Phillips said the majority of community based injuries and accidents were preventable and predictable.
“Each community or local area is different - each safety approach meets the unique needs of the people, their goals and the community values, working together for better outcomes.”

Safer Christchurch strategic governance includes representation and support from community groups alongside the Christchurch City Council, Police, New Zealand Transport Agency, Ministry of Social Development, University of Canterbury, New Zealand Fire Service, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ngai Tahu, Canterbury District Health Board, Accident Compensation Corporation, Non-Government/Community Sector, Youth representation, Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.