Auckland’s city centre is in for a major shake-up, with an action plan aimed at making the CBD safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for families, workers and tourists.
The plan – announced by Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown – is a response to concerns around crime and anti-social behaviour ahead of a big year for the city with the opening of the City Rail Link and New Zealand International Convention Centre.
The action plan includes housing for rough sleepers, with 207 new Housing First social homes to be rolled out and up to 100 more unlocked through existing contracts. Outreach teams will connect people with mental health and addiction services, while police and safety wardens will continue targeted patrols in areas linked to crime and anti-social behaviour.
Council teams will step up graffiti and rubbish removal, and public spaces such as Pocket Park and Fort St will be redesigned to make them safer and more welcoming. Bylaws will be reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose, and a taskforce chaired by the Minister for Auckland will meet regularly to keep agencies accountable.
The Minister of Justice was also seeking advice on additional measures, including possible “move-on” orders.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says making the central city safer is important. (Source: 1News)
Minister Brown said the plan balanced “support with accountability”.
“We are making help available for people struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges, while taking firm action against behaviour that intimidates or harms others,” he said.
“A safe, thriving central city means more foot traffic, stronger business confidence, more jobs and more opportunities for everyone.”
Mayor: ‘Addressing disruptive behaviour’
Mayor Wayne Brown says the plan showed what could be achieved when central government and council worked together.
“People want to feel safe walking, shopping and working in the city centre. This plan delivers more visible patrols and tidier streets, while also addressing disruptive behaviour,” he said.
“My expectation is for government agencies to work with our council to actually deliver on this action plan, so it doesn’t just end up as another announcement and talkfest.”
Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick backed the housing commitment but urged a deeper focus on root causes.
“We cannot hope to have a city that is safe for everybody, if it is not affordable, if people’s basic needs are not being met, so that’s really the starting point” she said.
Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck welcomed the action plan and said businesses had been calling for action for a long time.
“There’s been criminal activity, anti-social behaviour, and people saying its not the right standard of cleanliness. People want to see people housed.”
Council, government and business leaders will meet in coming weeks to finalise how the plan will be rolled out.
