27 November 2012

Wellington rated world’s ‘most liveable’ city

Wellington City has today been named one of the world’s most liveable cities, winning its category D in the UN-backed International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) Awards 2012.

LivCom is the world’s only competition for communities that focuses on environmental management and the creation of liveable communities, and seeks to encourage innovation and leadership in providing vibrant, environmentally-sustainable communities.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said the award acknowledged that Wellington City’s current liveability and our strategic vision as Smart Capital.

“It’s an outstanding result to be named the world’s most liveable city in our category,” said Mayor Wade-Brown.

“These LivCom Awards recognise achievement across the whole range of citizen wellbeing and its something all Wellingtonians can be proud of.

“The city has embarked on a path to be Wellington: Smart Capital and that vision is based on principles that the LivCom awards celebrate: people-centred, dynamic, ecologically sound and globally-connected.

“I’m pleased to lead a Council that is actively promoting these qualities, and recognises the economic benefits of making Wellington a liveable city.

“LivCom assesses the enhancement of the natural and built landscapes, unique arts and culture, environmental best practices, community participation and empowerment, healthy lifestyle and strategic planning.

“This award’s recognition of Wellington on the eve of the Hobbit Premiere, when the world’s eyes will be on our Capital, is perfect timing,” she said.

Wellington came first in its category, ahead of runners-up Chang’an and Jincheng City from China and Siena (Italy). Abu Dhabi (U.A.E.) won the award for cities over 400,000 people.

For more information on the backed International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) Awards, please visit www.livcomawards.com

ENDS

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"Unlawful, Unjustified And Unreasonable": Report Into Urewera Raids Finds Police Acted Unlawfully

Independent Police Conduct Authority Chair Judge Sir David Carruthers said today that the decision by the then Commissioner of Police to undertake the operation in Ruatoki Valley and elsewhere on 15 October 2007 was reasonable and justified.

“However, the road blocks established by Police at Ruatoki and Taneatua were unlawful, unjustified and unreasonable... Police had no legal basis for stopping and searching vehicles or photographing drivers or passengers,” he said...

The report also showed that the detention of the occupants at five properties examined by the Authority was unlawful and unreasonable. More>>