Taupo district accredited as International Safe Community
Wednesday 2 June 2010, 7:20AM
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Taupo district was awarded the designation of ‘International Safe Community’ on Friday 28 May from the World Health Organisation (WHO), becoming the 13th community in New Zealand, and 186th in the world to achieve the accreditation.
Taupo district received the official plaque and Safe Community flag from the World Health Organization, at an official signing ceremony at the Great Lake Centre on Friday evening, attended by Taupo MP Louise Upston, Taupo District Mayor Rick Cooper, and representatives from partner organisations and the World Health Organisation.
Director of Safer Communities Foundation NZ, and WHO Examiner Dr. Carolyn Coggan commended Taupo’s application saying that it was one of the most comprehensive the organisation had seen. “I have shared this with WHO judges all over the world who have concurred that Taupo’s application is an outstanding achievement.”
Dr Coggan says Taupo district has shown a commitment to developing communities that promote social, environmental, and physical wellbeing. “Taupo’s accreditation means it can now tap into a global peer group for ideas and information, and share the lessons we have learnt.”
In its application for the accreditation, the Taupo Safe District steering group have overseen a huge number of crime and injury prevention, and safety initiatives. These include the CCTV camera network in the CBD, road safety campaigns, new police Segways, alcohol and family violence programmes, Swim 4 Life, Taupo Community Ambassadors and regular Health & Safety seminars.
Safe District Project Manager Doug Scott says there are too many programmes to list, but wished to thank the support and cooperation of the partner organisations. “Without the assistance of our funding partners Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Lakes District Health Board, New Zealand Police, and Taupo District Council this great accolade would not have been possible.”
Mayor Rick Cooper said it had been a long journey, but it was not time to rest on our laurels yet. “We have shown we can talk the talk, now we must walk the walk. We cannot put this achievement on the shelf; we must continue to strive to make Taupo the safest place in the country. We have seen real reductions in crime, injury, and road crashes, and we hope this continues its downward trend.”
Mayor Cooper said for a district that relies heavily on its visitor industry the accreditation is very important. “I think this title will give visitors to Taupo a certain level of comfort. I want people from all over the world to know that when they come to Taupo, they are in a WHO designated International Safe Community.”