Auckland Central police are working to alleviate the issues of drunkenness, disorder and violence at the city's gay nightlife hub, Karangahape Rd, where the city's police commander says there is unfortunately "little of any value that happens after 3am". GayNZ.com Daily News has raised with police renewed concerns about the safety of the street, which hosts the majority of the nation's gay venues, after anecdotal reports from the community of rising levels of violence and a growing perception it's becoming less safe. It follows a number of random assaults, the latest leaving a gay man in hospital having knee reconstruction surgery after he was apparently pushed in front of a car. Auckland City Central Area Commander Inspector Andrew Coster says that although reported crime statistics do not point to a significant rise in violent crime in the area, there is a long-term challenge associated with maintaining order on and around K' Rd at peak times. Inspector Coster says police are working with a range of stakeholders to 'improve safety and perceptions of safety in the area'. He points out K' Rd has a large number of licensed premises, most with extended trading hours, saying while many fulfil their obligations under the Sale of Liquor Act, the activities in the area attract a wide variety of people, some who get heavily intoxicated. "There is no one intervention that will solve the issues we are experiencing in and around K' Rd. Some of the things we believe will assist include an increased police presence, environmental design measures and proactive working between police, council and licensees," he says. "We are looking forward to changes anticipated through the review of the Sale of Liquor Act, particularly as they relate to on and off-licence trading hours and licence conditions. Unfortunately, at the present time, there is little of value that occurs on K' Rd after 3am.” Inspector Coster says Auckland City Central Police is in the process of reconfiguring its deployment of staff to place an emphasis on high visibility foot patrols at peak times. He says the changes proposed will better position police to manage K'Rd, but are not a panacea. "To achieve the levels of safety and perceptions of safety we are seeking for K' Rd and the central city at peak entertainment times will require a concerted community approach. A balance needs to be struck between the availability and enjoyment of alcohol as part of the entertainment experience and the safety of all who visit and use the CBD." Jacinda Ardern Labour MP Jacinda Ardern is well-aware of the concerns about K' Rd, raising them with police last year after she was approached by community members who were concerned about the level of violence. "This is an issue which I don't believe has suddenly arisen overnight. It's something, as I understand from business owners and operators, which has accumulated over a period of time," the Auckland Central candidate says. "But it's at a point now that I think it's critical that we try and turn the tide. And that is going to take, I think, some really specific initiatives. Some of them are going to involve the council because one of this issues that was raised is people are coming in and drinking, not at on-licences, but drinking alcohol in their parked cars. And then you've got people who are clearly intoxicated acting dangerously then along the street and intimidating others. So dealing with issues that are happening outside of on-licences is going to be key." Ardern has spoken to Inspector Coster again this week after reading about the renewed concerns from the GLBT community. She says the meeting was useful and police have some good plans which should really make a difference. The MP questions whether Auckland Central police are adequately resourced to deal with disorder and violence in aread like K' Rd: "And that doesn't come down to just an Inspector locally. He can only put on the number of staff he has available to him." She says resourcing is an issue she needs to direct to the Police Minister, rather than having Inspector Coster stuck in the middle. Ardern points out that there needs to be a comprehensive approach. "The police are one part of a response that needs to come from the council, businesses and the community. She has spoken to the head of the Gay Auckland Business Association and has other meetings planned on the issue next week. "I do think we can make a difference if we work collectively - but it will also take some action. I'd welcome any ideas business owners, patrons, community members might have to add to the list we're investigating. She says it's important people are not discouraged from visiting K' Rd: "If anything we should be encouraging K' Rd pride, because it is a place that's iconic and worth protecting. Particularly in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup, which is going to be a big draw for tourists." Jacinda Ardern can be contacted here: jacinda.ardern@parliament.govt.nz Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye is also concerned GLBT people are not feeling safe on K' Rd and has also spoken with Inspector Coster this week. She is asking anyone with specific concerns to email her at: nikki.kaye@parliament.govt.nz
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 29th January 2011 - 9:08am