“We recognise that many groups are already working hard on this and a key focus for us is how they can be supported in their efforts, and how to call in more people to join this work.”
WAASV Urban Planning Coordinator Hannah Pym says the alliance is an ambitious group dedicated to mobilising the vision for a safer, increasingly accessible and inclusive city, free from sexual violence.
“Revisioning areas of the CBD requires a well-rounded approach, representative of those who frequent the spaces. Lived experiences, patterns of concern, community aspirations, and cultural and historical significance of areas, are among the list of factors we are researching and implementing in our mahi,” Hannah says.
Amy says building on a kōrero that began last year, Council is continuing to work with specialists in sexual violence prevention and Te Ao Māori, people with lived experience, community leaders, and agencies to establish key actions over the next three years and set out how the action plan will contribute to the change that we want to see in the city.
“Building on positive changes we’ve already started to see through the Pōneke Promise, we are hoping to continue to see a shift in the dynamics in the central city towards a more respectful environment – where mana is enhanced, and whakapapa protected. This is just as important as the physical changes we are making to the city.”