Taupo gains 'International Safe District' accreditation with flying colours – World Health Organisation

Six accredited examiners from the World Health Organisation (WHO) visited Taupo last Wednesday (21 April) to judge the district’s application to become an ‘International Safe District’, saying that the districts application was one of the best they had seen.

On Wednesday 21 April 2010, members of the Taupo Safe District Steering Committee headed by Doug Scott, Project Manager – Safer Communities, hosted six WHO accredited examiners and six observers from Hutt City, Upper Hutt, Napier, Rotorua, ACC and Ministry of Justice. The Site Visit Review Team was addressed on the various projects concerning safety, injury and crime prevention methodology, undertaken in the Taupo District including Mangakino and Turangi.

Director of Safer Communities Foundation NZ, and WHO Examiner Dr. Carolyn Coggan, who led the day, indicated that the Taupo District’s application booklet had been read internationally. “It has been applauded as very robust and informative in content, and brilliant in design and presentation. This reflected the Taupo Safe District Community and their collaborative efforts in pursuing programmes, initiatives and projects encompassing crime, injury and safety methodology”.

The WHO examination included a visit to the AC Baths complex to view the award winning “Swim for Life” programmes, and to REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme) where Safekids presenters gave an overview on “Walk to School”, “Child Restraints in Motor Vehicles” and “Walking and Cycling Programmes in Schools”.

A new subdivision in Richmond Heights was also visited where the safety features of the design were very well received. At the Police Station examiners were shown the new police Segways, and given a tour of inspection including the monitor-room for the CBD’s CCTV Cameras, and an update on Alcohol Accords and the Family Violence Unit. Other programmes and projects presented included the recently published and revamped Parent Pack, Graffiti initiatives, Taupo Community Ambassadors and Health & Safety Seminars.

Doug Scott says the accreditation of “International Safe Community” is an ongoing commitment. “We now need to ensure these projects are maintained, and are sustainable leading to a further application in five years time for re-accreditation.”

Taupo District will celebrate the achievement, receiving a plaque and flag from the World Health Organization, at a planned award ceremony (details yet to be announced).