Email correspondence released by the Otago Regional Council in the wake of the stabbing death of 16-year-old Enere McLaren-Taana at the bus hub in May revealed public concern over a lack of security provided by the council’s contractor, Allied Security.
Yesterday, the Otago Daily Times asked all regional councillors if the security provided was fit for purpose.
"Obviously not," Cr Michael Laws replied. "But I do think the inaction of the Dunedin police, who were directly opposite this area, and had been alerted to numerous issues of disorder, needs to be questioned."
Cr Laws said it was possible the council had failed in its duty of care and responsibilities.
The council was "organisationally" aware of safety issues, it had employed security guards, but it did not necessarily check that the security contractor was effective, or that it had employed people who were professional in their duties, he said.
"That said, it is difficult to safeguard against murderous intent if murderous intent is genuinely attempted in any situation."
Cr Laws said he awaited staff updates about a forthcoming procurement process for security at the bus hub when the present contract expired.
"The ongoing safety of bus passengers must be the priority and I believe that governance has indicated such around the council table."
Last week, acting chief executive Amanda Vercoe said the council-funded security services at the bus hub were implemented as a trial extension of existing security services funded by the Dunedin City Council.
Before Enere’s death, a permanent contract had been due to be tendered from July 1, to align with the financial year, Mrs Vercoe said.
"Due to the desirability to maintain continuity of the security services’ presence following the alleged stabbing, the contract with Allied was further extended to October 31.
"In addition to the extension of time for Allied services at the bus hub, the scope of the contract was extended from May 23 to include additional hours.
"A procurement process will be undertaken ahead of the contract expiring."
Cr Gary Kelliher yesterday said he hoped both the city and regional councils and police would work together "closely and urgently" to resolve the bus hub’s issues.
"This and all public transport facilities must be safe for all those that use them and if it has become a congregation place beyond its purpose then urgent solving of that is needed."
Chairwoman Cr Gretchen Robertson was the only Dunedin-based councillor to reply — her response came via the council’s communications team.
"The safety and wellbeing of our inner city is of utmost importance to our community," she said.
"Recent events, including the tragic stabbing, have starkly reminded us of the vulnerabilities which exist within our urban environments.
"It’s clear these incidents are a harsh and sad reality confronting urban communities."
The newly formed Inner City Safety Advisory Group would build on a collective commitment to "safeguarding our community", she said.
"It’s not solely the responsibility of any one entity; rather, it requires a united effort from all authorities and community members who have the capacity to influence outcomes positively.
"The focus is on a proactive and collaborative approach to safety improvement to develop more effective strategies to prevent such incidents, to ensure our inner city remains a safe and welcoming place for all."
Police Otago coastal area commander Inspector Marty Gray said police responded immediately to the incident and were on the scene within minutes of the stabbing, tending to Enere and apprehending an individual who is currently before the courts.
Before the incident, officers had identified disorder issues at the bus hub.
He said interventions were implemented that meant police had been monitoring and assessing the area regularly.
Police were involved in an inner city working group with a range of partner agencies. The group was set up to further change the "culture of behaviour" and improve safety at the bus hub.
"We continue to work with those partners towards our collective goals."
