Media Statement

23 February 2015

Auckland councillors to blame for a lack of safety at train stations

The public’s safety is being jeopardised due to the passive indifference of Mayor Len Brown and Auckland councillors who have been repeatedly warned to secure train stations, but who instead have cut budgets and passed the buck, according to the Manurewa Local Board.

Chairperson Angela Dalton said reported incidents of violent crime and intimidation on the southern line between Puhinui and Papakura are the norm rather than the exception.

“In mid-2014 local leaders pleaded with the Mayor and councillors to secure train stations like Manurewa. We said the stations on the southern line need to be secure, much like stations at Britomart and Newmarket.

“What we got was the usual diet of broken promises and hot air, a commitment to beef up security with ill-equipped contractors patrolling at peak times, and a commitment to dialogue with the Police.

“This is unacceptable. Either the Mayor and Auckland councillors fund their own transport company to secure the stations, or they should step aside so new people can fill the widening leadership void. Put the public’s safety first,” Angela Dalton said.

Deputy chairperson Simeon Brown, who is currently leading the board’s engagement with the public on the draft Long Term Plan said the public was keenly interested in public investment outcomes that improve local services, not grandiose schemes like the City Rail Link.

“Train commuters want to travel to and from work without the daily threat of bullying, intimidation and assault. This is far more important than an unfunded multi-billion dollar rail tunnel that will deliver no new net benefits,” Simeon Brown said.

End.

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