Ambassador programme an amazing success

• Author: Patrick HandcockPatrick Handcock is a Palmerston North city councillor.
• Published date: 16 June 2022
• Publication title: Guardian, The

I have continued to hold the safe city portfolio, which is very dependent on working across stakeholders. COVID-19 has placed additional stress on government departments so maintaining momentum across the sector has been challenging

Having said that, the council has continued to work with partner agencies and stakeholders to address some of the street racer and drifting issues that have become a massive problem for communities across New Zealand.

Let’s be very clear, the activities of those few who actively participate in these illegal activities cause danger to themselves and the public, destroy public property and constantly create noise and harassment of neighbourhoods. There is a determination across stakeholders to continue both prevention and enforcement strategies to mitigate and minimise the effects of street racing.

The council continues to explore and implement engineering solutions that will discourage drifting in our industrial areas. The planning and strategy committee will also look at bylaw options in the coming months. Our work is not yet done.

On a positive note, the city ambassador programme concluded in early March, having been a feature again over the summer. This past year we employed six ambassadors and they were able to be rostered to cover busy periods in the city.

The ambassadors engaged with...