I take great pride in the fact that Nelson is one of the safest cities in the world. However, I’m worried by the growth in gangs, disorder in our central city and a rise in vandalism across our region.
The increased gang presence is evidenced by the data collected by police that shows gang membership in the region has climbed from 68 to 196 over the past six years.
The links between gangs, drugs and violence are undeniable. It has been reinforced by the recent convictions of three Killer Beez associates in relation to the shooting of 22-year-old Lake Takimoana in Washington Valley in broad daylight last year.
We also have a problem with less serious crime. Our museum has had to spend thousands of dollars on security guards in our central city to keep staff and visitors safe. A group of intoxicated rough sleepers chose to occupy the area last month, abusing staff, stealing from the shop and urinating in the street. This cannot be tolerated in this iconic part of the city, particularly when the museum was hosting our temporary tourism information centre.
Vandalism and acts of graffiti are also growing. I get very frustrated with the tens of thousands of dollars being spent fixing damaged toilets, playgrounds and other community facilities. The vandalism and arson at the Saxton Oval Pavilion and media centre is just one example.
The iconic 60-year-old concrete train in the Tāhunanui Playground was so damaged it had to be dismantled last week. Schools are also reporting to me increased damage. The vandalism to homes damaged in last year’s storm is particularly callous.
Nelson’s lawlessness has not become as bad as in Auckland, Christchurch and many of the North Island provincial cities, but it is getting worse. Council has successfully advocated for a greater police presence in the central city. We need to be more vigilant as a community in reporting crime, increase our surveillance of trouble spots and be firmer in enforcing the law. We must jealously guard Nelson’s reputation as NZ’s safest city.
