Council and police shake hands over a safer West

It’s official - the west is no longer “wild”, it’s one of the safest places in New Zealand. Signing a “memorandum of understanding” with top policemen, Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey outlined how the west’s reputation has evolved over 20 years from having a high crime rate to being “one of the safest areas in New Zealand.”

“It’s not the ‘wild’ west anymore,” he said.

In 1984, there were “large groups of young men injuring themselves…the west had a lousy reputation. It struggled in the 80s, to achieve, to have investment.”

Mayor Bob Harvey and Chief Executive Harry O’Rourke shook hands with District Commander, Superintendent Roger Carson and the Waitakere Area Commander, Inspector Mark O’Connor at the full Council meeting on March 31.

“I value the relationship this council has pioneered with police… so much has happened. What a difference!

Superintendent Carson paid tribute to the Waitakere Police District being number two out of 52 police districts.

“There is a difference and the results that we are seeing in this District are ones we are proud of but they are not ours alone as the results are a result of the entire community working together. This understanding helps us lift our performance and strengthens our ability to ensure this District continues to a safe community that all can enjoy,” said Superintendent Carson.

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