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Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
'Significant' bus hub disorder included BB gun
Security guards recorded an average of one "significant" incident every 10 days after taking over at Dunedin's bus hub in the wake of last year's fatal stabbing, official information shows. However, police said the busy city centre transport link was safer now than it used to be. A multi-agency group formed in the aftermath of the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Enere McLaren-Taana in May last year — chaired by Otago coastal prevention manager Inspector Sam Ramsay — "finalised a delivery roadmap" for change in February. Insp Ramsay said keys to that roadmap included initiatives to "transform the bus hub environment and operations" and enhance security and patrolling. The quality of security patrols at the Great King St bus hub was dragged into the spotlight in the wake of the fatal stabbing. Before being replaced by First Security, the previous firm, Allied Security, reported guards patrolling the bus hub were spat on, kicked and harassed after the incident. Now, First Security weekly incident reports released by the Otago Regional Council under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act show antisocial behaviour persists — including intoxication and smoking and vaping in smoke free zones. But those types of incidents vastly outnumbered the "aggressive behaviour" observed by patrols. Among the incidents detailed in the report was a "young lady" on February 27 observed with what was at first thought to be a gun, but was later identified as a BB gun. The "young lady" reportedly "slipped it under her leg", but it was "clear it was not a phone", the incident report said. Police were advised and asked the security guards to keep an eye on her while they arranged backup. The BB gun was discharged "several times in a non-threatening direction, off to one side and towards a small wall", the report said. Seven police officers attended and took control of the BB gun, resulting in "little impact on the general public". The reports do not indicate which incidents are categorised as significant, but identified 13 such incidents from November 14 to April 6 (the period covered by the official information provided), The reports showed 11 times over that period those incidents were reported to police, but police were only called six times this year. December led the way with police assistance required four times. Police came under the spotlight after the fatal stabbing, in part because the teenager was stabbed about 50m from the Dunedin central police station. Now, when asked if the bus hub was safer than at the time of the stabbing, Insp Ramsay referenced the multi-agency Central City Safety Advisory group and said "police have been working with our partners to make the bus hub safer". He said, in February, the group finalised its roadmap that "prioritised and planned" short, medium and long-term actions to improve safety in and around the bus hub area while also considering the wider context of safety in the city. Four key areas were identified during the workshop which would form the basis of initiatives hoped to have an impact. "They are: cultivate positive values and culture; transform the bus hub environment and operations; enhance safety, security and patrolling; empower youth through reporting and education." He said police now had a sergeant and four fulltime constables undertaking foot patrols on early and late shifts. At times, that number increased as part of probationary training or induction. "We deploy the teams based on evidence and demand, and they could cover any area of Dunedin."
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Antisocial behaviour still persisting at hub
Security guards recorded an average of one "significant" incident every 10 days after taking over at Dunedin's bus hub in the wake of last year's fatal stabbing, official information shows. However, police said the busy city centre transport link was safer now than it used to be. A multi-agency group formed in the aftermath of the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Enere McLaren-Taana in May last year — chaired by Otago coastal prevention manager Inspector Sam Ramsay — "finalised a delivery roadmap" for change in February. Insp Ramsay said keys to that roadmap included initiatives to "transform the bus hub environment and operations" and enhance security and patrolling. The quality of security patrols at the Great King St bus hub was dragged into the spotlight in the wake of the fatal stabbing. Before being replaced by First Security, the previous firm, Allied Security, reported guards patrolling the bus hub were spat on, kicked and harassed after the incident. Now, First Security weekly incident reports released by the Otago Regional Council under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act show antisocial behaviour persists — including intoxication and smoking and vaping in smoke free zones. But those types of incidents vastly outnumbered the "aggressive behaviour" observed by patrols. Among the incidents detailed in the report was a "young lady" on February 27 observed with what was at first thought to be a gun, but was later identified as a BB gun. The "young lady" reportedly "slipped it under her leg", but it was "clear it was not a phone", the incident report said. Police were advised and asked the security guards to keep an eye on her while they arranged backup. The BB gun was discharged "several times in a non-threatening direction, off to one side and towards a small wall", the report said. Seven police officers attended and took control of the BB gun, resulting in "little impact on the general public". The reports do not indicate which incidents are categorised as significant, but identified 13 such incidents from November 14 to April 6 (the period covered by the official information provided), The reports showed 11 times over that period those incidents were reported to police, but police were only called six times this year. December led the way with police assistance required four times. Police came under the spotlight after the fatal stabbing, in part because the teenager was stabbed about 50m from the Dunedin central police station. Now, when asked if the bus hub was safer than at the time of the stabbing, Insp Ramsay referenced the multi-agency Central City Safety Advisory group and said "police have been working with our partners to make the bus hub safer". He said, in February, the group finalised its roadmap that "prioritised and planned" short, medium and long-term actions to improve safety in and around the bus hub area while also considering the wider context of safety in the city. Four key areas were identified during the workshop which would form the basis of initiatives hoped to have an impact. "They are: cultivate positive values and culture; transform the bus hub environment and operations; enhance safety, security and patrolling; empower youth through reporting and education." He said police now had a sergeant and four fulltime constables undertaking foot patrols on early and late shifts. At times, that number increased as part of probationary training or induction. "We deploy the teams based on evidence and demand, and they could cover any area of Dunedin."
NZ Herald
20-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Security for midwives bolstered at Christchurch Hospital after ‘very violent' night-time assault
'Additional security measures have been put in place after a serious assault last weekend, involving a person based in Kurawaka: Waipapa,' said the email from the Christchurch Hospital security team. 'Our security team has, as a temporary response, bolstered security in the area around this part of the hospital. 'Security escorts will temporarily be provided for Kurawaka: Waipapa staff, student nurses or midwives during the hours of darkness. This will be a priority over the coming days to provide an extra layer of security. 'Allied Security mobile patrols will focus their patrolling at the change of shifts in the central area of the hospital and Kurawaka: Waipapa.' The security team assured staff that the health and safety of Te Whatu Ora employees and others who work on the hospital campus was its top priority. The incident was described as a timely reminder about how everyone can help look after themselves and others. 'Ensuring your personal safety when leaving or arriving at the hospital involves a mix of situational awareness, planning and taking precautions,' the security team said. 'Whether within one of our campuses or travelling to and from work, please be always conscious of your security and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and your property. 'Taking these precautions can help minimise risks and ensure your personal safety.' Staff with concerns were encouraged to speak to their managers. 'Other staff may have also experienced similar incidents so it's important these are raised,' the email said. 'You should also take the time to report even what you may think is a minor incident.' Until 2023, the only primary birthing unit in Christchurch was located at St George's Hospital. That unit closed – despite protest and petitions from thousands of people – when St George's maternity contract with Te Whatu Ora ended. Kurawaka: Waipapa opened in April 2024. The unit was designed to provide a more home-like and calming environment for low-risk births, with about 2000 babies expected to be delivered each year. The unit is also expected to reduce pressure on the nearby Christchurch Women's Hospital Maternity Unit. Before Kurawaka: Waipapa opened, people expecting babies in Christchurch had to travel to Rangiora, Rolleston or Ashburton to access a primary birthing unit. Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 19 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on
