Progress in Nightlife Safety

Two great trial initiatives to create a safer night time environment in the city are underway this month.

The Barwatch scheme, which provides portable radios to selected bars in the Fort St and High St area to enable better communication with each other and the Police, is now successfully established and working well with a Radio Coordinator providing support to participating bars. Initial stakeholder feedback on the scheme has been positive. The Downtown Barwatch is funded by Heart of the City for a 6 month trial to assess whether the radio link, combined with other Police and Auckland Council initiatives, will reduce alcohol related violence and injury and contribute to an improved perception of safety in the city centre at night.

And during March, the Safe Zone, another initiative to provide assistance for Downtown city bar visitors, will be operating from Queen Elizabeth Square. Visitors to city bars who need support and help after a night out are offered a secure and safe place with the support of St Johns staff and the Police. SafeZone will run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights during March as a partnership initiative between Auckland Council, St John, ACC, NZ Police and Auckland Transport.