A rise in crime and fear risks deterring people from coming to Dunedin's CBD, a business leader has warned.
On May 13, Enele McLaren-Turna died from a single stab wound in front of hundreds of secondary school students at the Dunedin Bus Hub on Great King Street.
Two weeks later, Business South chief executive Mike Collins said in an open letter that the tragedy had caused “a decline in public confidence and the potential for increased social isolation, causing residents to avoid public spaces.” “This could happen,” he warned.
“Increased crime and lack of safety can have a huge impact on local businesses.
“When local residents feel unsafe, they are less likely to participate in local commercial activities, which can lead to reduced foot traffic and sales,” he said.
We spoke to several businesses operating on Great King Street and said they have seen a significant drop in business since May.
Managers at stores in the area said businesses are hurting in the wake of the stabbings.
“What happened was tragic and I never tried to minimize it, but as soon as I found out about it I thought business was going to suffer and unfortunately I was right.
“We're just starting to recover a little bit now, but business is nothing like it was before. We're struggling, but we hope the public will feel safe and return to the area soon.”
Another manager said people “just don't want to shop here at the moment.”
“The business has taken a big hit in recent months. We've been completely in the red for the last few months. There's been a big difference.”
Things have recently started to improve, but like elsewhere, the numbers are nowhere near the levels they were before the tragedy.
“Dunedin's social fabric is at risk of fraying as people become anxious about interacting with their communities and have less confidence in security measures,” Mr Collins said in the letter.
The letter was sent to Dunedin City Council, Otago Regional Council, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Commissioner Andrew Coster.
There was no response from Mr Mitchell or Mr Kom Koster, but both DCC and ORC acknowledged the letter and invited Business South to be part of a working group with other community partners.
“We attended the first meeting of the working group to seriously work on some solutions, which we were able to work with New Zealand Police to establish.
“This is a result of the letter and I have been working to ensure that the concerns of the business community are heard and included to ensure that they are part of the solution going forward.”
He said making people feel safe enough to go to bus hubs was the first step in helping businesses increase sales.
“While we don't have any significant solutions yet, first steps have been taken to get the right people in the same room and start the necessary conversations.
“It’s encouraging to see so many community groups getting involved in this.”
The group includes representatives from Business South, Dunedin secondary schools, principals, DCC, ORC, police, Otakou Lunaka and the Otago Pasifika community.
laine.priestley@odt.co.nz
