24 October 2017

City Ambassadors to be CBD hosts over summer

The presence of City Ambassadors in Palmerston North’s CBD this summer, was approved on Tuesday by Palmerston North City Council. A three month trial will start over the summer holiday period modelled on successes from programmes in Hamilton, Hastings and Wellington.

City Ambassadors will provide information, directional assistance and make people feel more comfortable when they are out enjoying the city centre.

The Palmerston North Safety Advisory Board supports the initiative as one part of a solution to address antisocial behaviour in the CBD, particularly during holiday periods.

“The ambassador’s role is not as a security presence, but as a host and ambassador for Palmerston North,” says Ian Littleworth, PNCC Community Engagement Manager. “Their objective is to help increase visitor satisfaction, promote the CBD and city and assist with community safety. They will make people feel more comfortable when they are enjoying the CBD and will act as ‘eyes and ears’ for anti-social activity, and will report it to Police for action.”

Further information on the trial will be available once an agreement has been reached with a service provider. It is anticipated that the trial will commence in early December.

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