Citation

Coggan C, Gabites L. Soc. Policy J. N. Zeal. 2007; 2007(32): 94-105.

Affiliation

Safe Communities Foundation New Zealand; Wellington City Council

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, New Zealand Ministry of Social Development)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Policies to address safety are increasingly becoming an important aspect of what territorial local authorities (TLAs) in New Zealand need to consider when developing their Long-Term Council Community Plans to address their obligations under the Local Government Act 2002. Consequently, to provide a framework for their activities many TLAs have looked to the six criteria necessary to achieve the status of a Safe Community of the World Health Organisation (WHO) international network. Safe Communities is a WHO concept that recognises safety as a universal concern and a responsibility for all. Wellington City, the capital city of New Zealand, was one TLA that worked to address the six criteria and as a result was accredited as a WHO Safe Community, and part of the International Safe Community Network on 14 June 2006. This article provides a case study of the rationale and processes used by the Wellington City Council in its journey towards achieving Safe Community status, and the partnerships and collaborations that were part of this process. It demonstrates that to improve community safety it is necessary to develop policies that encourage successful partnerships and networks between individuals, organisations and other providers.