Summer Safe to launch carpark programme
Published on 07 December 2022
High-vis yellowclad Summer Safe Carpark volunteers are about to launch their programme for the summer, keeping carparks at our District’s most popular summer spots safe and providing advice to visitors.
“This year they are really looking forward to the return of international visitors after the past two COVID-19 affected seasons,” said Council’s Community Safety Officer David Palmer.
“Community volunteers will begin their 13th season on 17 December and will be on duty every weekend and public holiday from now until the end of Easter, 10 April.
“We are very proud of the work these volunteers do. They have a proven track record. For the past 12 years there have been no thefts from cars during their patrols from 10am to 4pm on weekends and public holidays.”
The programme is an extension of Central Whangarei’s CitySafe programme that runs patrols in central Whangārei.
Aim of Summer Safe Carpark
It aims to:
- prevent theft from vehicles parked at popular tourist spots in our District
- prevent anti-social behaviour during the summer months
- create a positive experience for carpark visitors.
“Our ambassadors also provide advice on things to do and see in our District, make sure the carparks are clean, report any vandalism or maintenance issues to Council and suspicious behaviour to the police. The police also patrol the parks as part of the campaign.”
Areas being monitored
Mr Palmer said the following parking areas are being monitored through the summer:
- Abbey Caves
- Parihaka
- AH Reed
- Whangārei-Otuihau Falls
- Ocean Beach
- Whale Bay
- Ruakākā
- Waipu Cove
- Uretiti
- Town Basin (mobile patrols)
Volunteers came from local groups including:
- the Police Volunteers Blue Club
- Whangārei Community Patrols NZ
- Onerahi Lions Club
- Hātea Lions Club
- TikiPride
- Whangārei Heads Volunteer Surf Lifesaving Patrol
- Ngunguru School Year Seven and Eight
- Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Patrol
- Waipu Cove Surf Lifesaving Club
- Bream Bay Beach Safety Ambassadors
The CitySafe Operational Network is a group of stakeholders including Whangarei District Council, the New Zealand Police and the Northland Chamber of Commerce. These groups share information and resources to help keep Whangārei a safe place to live, work and visit.