Rotorua gets International Safe Community accreditation

It is official. Rotorua has achieved International Safe Community status following an evaluation from members of Safe Communities Foundation NZ and other central government agencies this week.

The 'Treasure Rotorua' Steering Group, coordinated by Rotorua District Council, hosted the review team during the week for its assessment of whether Rotorua had met six key criteria required for designation as an International Safe Community.

International safe Communities is a World Health Organisation concept aimed at encouraging greater cooperation and collaboration amongst non-government, business, and central and local government agencies.

Rotorua District Council Safe Community designation leader Amy Royston says the assessment day provided an opportunity to showcase some of the community’s wide range of safety projects.

“The review team observed the Aquatic Centre’s Unison Lake Safety programme in action, a driveway safety demonstration at City Focus, and the ‘Standing up to Falls’ event for older people at Te Ao Marama.

“The day was a huge success, and it’s a great achievement for Rotorua. It's recognition of the many groups and individuals who play a part in improving safety for our community.

"The accreditation does not imply that Rotorua is perfectly safe. However it does confirm that as a community we are absolutely committed to making Rotorua as safe as possible for our residents and for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit every year."

Safe Communities Foundation NZ director Dr Carolyn Coggan says the review team was highly impressed by the calibre of Rotorua’s application document.

“It is one of the most comprehensive from New Zealand or around the world. There is a range of comprehensive safety programmes operating, and outcomes have been identified to measure their reach and impact.

“It is evident that there is good collaboration between different groups in Rotorua working to improve safety.”

Dr Coggan also said the review team thought it was great Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters is supportive of the project and is right behind the community.

The Treasure Rotorua project has been actively working towards International Safe Community designation over the past two years.

Treasure Rotorua is made up of representatives from Rotorua District Council, Castlecorp, Rotorua Police, Toi Te Ora, Lakes DHB, ACC, Neighbourhood Support, Te Waiariki Purea Trust, MSD and local iwi.

A formal presentation event to celebrate Rotorua’s International safe Community designation will take place in the city in June.