From the Mayor, Steve Chadwick Kia ora koutou When I moved house this year one of the first people to knock at my door was someone from Neighbourhood Support to welcome me to the street. I was given a list of names of other residents in the street and contact details and was told to call if I had any concerns or needed assistance. Those connections are so important in neighbourhoods – it made me feel very welcomed, safe and supported. Safety is a key priority for our community and is crucial to achieving our aspirations to ensure we are building connected, supported, resilient communities where everyone can thrive. We want Rotorua to be the safest place in New Zealand. That’s a big goal but is one I believe is achievable if we all work together. The Council has increased its investment in ensuring people feel safe in our city, but we can’t do it alone.
Everyone can contribute towards our shared goals to build thriving communities and the Neighbourhood Support network has a vital role to play in keeping people connected. Neighbourhood Support is a fantastic organisation with a long history of great work, a “community-led movement that brings people and neighbourhoods together to create safe, resilient and connected communities”. That speaks directly to the Council’s own kaupapa, to create partnerships and collaborations that will enable us to achieve our shared goals, for the betterment of our community and district, working together – tatau tatau. I look forward to seeing Neighbourhood Support continue to grow and contribute to a safe, connected and resilient Rotorua. Look after one another. Together we can – and do – make a difference.
We work closely with the police and other partners to contribute to community safety. Council is expanding its CCTV network, making changes to create safe public environments and has extended its community patrols beyond the CBD to other parts of our city. The Council is also working very hard on multiple fronts to address key challenges like Rotorua’s housing crisis and is working in partnership with communities to enhance neighbourhoods, and improve the overall wellbeing of residents, which includes looking at safety.
Steve Chadwick Rotorua Mayor Page 13
