Because of the events of 2010 and 2011 significantly impacting the Christchurch community, the Safer Christchurch Strategy has been reviewed and refreshed to reflect our changing environment and community.

The Safer Christchurch Strategy [PDF, 2.5 MB], adopted in 2005, reviewed in 2008, and refreshed in 2016, provides the framework for a coordinated community and agency response.

Safer logo

The 2016 Strategy focuses on five priority areas with the aim of making Christchurch the safest city in New Zealand:

  1. Proactive partnerships that have a shared commitment to a Safe City.
  2. Reducing and preventing injuries.
  3. Reducing and preventing the incidence and effects of crime.
  4. Enhancing safety on our roads.
  5. Building in safety to achieve a city and neighbourhood which are vibrant, safe and inclusive.

International Safe Community

All initiatives under the strategy helped Christchurch in achieving accreditation in 2008 and re-accreditation in 2016 as an International Safe Community, based on criteria in the Safe Communities model endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Safer Christchurch Governance Group

The Strategy is overseen by this group, which comprises: