Concerns over safety in Central Christchurch have been raised by retail staff who say they no longer feel secure working in the heart of the city.

With summer approaching and an expected increase in foot traffic, many fear the situation could worsen. However, Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger is confident that a range of initiatives are making a real difference.

Speaking on the issue to chrislynchmedia.com, Mauger said, “I understand the concerns from our local business owners and retail staff. It’s important to acknowledge that there are challenges, but we are actively working to address them. Since last August, the Christchurch City Council has been funding security staff who patrol the Central City, and that’s just one part of a larger effort.”

Mauger also highlighted the work of the Christchurch Central City Business Association (CCBA) in “leading the way” with a new initiative aimed at improving safety.

“The CCBA has started something called the Inner City Collaborative, which is the first of its kind in New Zealand. It’s been a great success so far,” he said. “With their membership, they’ve added an extra 1,000 pairs of eyes and ears around the city, and that’s been a crucial step forward in tackling these issues.”

Mauger believes this collaboration between businesses, the Council, police, and other agencies is key to making Central Christchurch a safer place. “This isn’t just about one group or agency working alone.

“We’ve got the Council involved, the police, the CCBA, and the City Mission, with outreach workers on the ground. It’s this collective approach that’s helping us improve safety in the Central City.”

FULL INTERVIEW TONIGHT AT 7PM ACROSS CHRIS LYNCH MEDIA CHANNELS 

While Mauger admitted that crime in the area is an ongoing issue, he stressed that progress is being made.

“We’ll never completely solve the problem. There’s always going to be some level of concern, but we’re working on it every day,” he said. “I’ve spoken with the CCBA, and we both agree that we’re in better shape now than we were several months ago.”

Reflecting on the situation in comparison to other cities, Mauger added, “We’re doing better than many other cities around the country, but that doesn’t mean we should lower our expectations. We want Christchurch to be a city where people feel safe at all times, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

With summer approaching, the mayor assured the public that the focus remains on ensuring the Central City is a safe and welcoming environment.

“I’m confident that with the work we’ve done and the partnerships we’ve built, we’re in a good place to handle the challenges ahead,” Major said. “We’re committed to making Christchurch a safe place for everyone, whether they’re working here, shopping, or just visiting.”

Retail staff and visitors have already noticed the increased presence of security patrols, which has provided some reassurance.

However, Mauger acknowledged that more work is needed. “We’re not there yet, but we’re making real progress,” he said. “And with the continued support of the Council, police, and local businesses through initiatives like the Inner City Collaborative, I’m confident we’ll get there.”