The return of community guides to the streets of Queenstown will "give the public a sense of security and help visitors", according to QLDC community services general manager Paul Wilson.
The service resumes tomorrow night and will run each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 9pm until 3pm the following day. Over the Christmas period, the shifts will be extended until 5pm.
Mr Wilson said the council had decided to outsource the service to Armourguard in a bid to reduce costs, while retaining a service the community appreciated.
"I am very satisfied with the cost of the project. Armourguard will be paid around $30,000 for the season, which is well under our initial budget of $45,000."
Armourguard operates a similar service in Wellington and Manukau under its Walkwise scheme.
The Armourguard website describes its scheme as "a safety ambassador programme focused at reducing anti-social behaviour and crime in city centres . . . Ambassadors offer a helpful and friendly alternative to traditional security and enforcement, and aim to create a safer environment by working in conjunction with the community,"
While community guides do not have law enforcement authority, they will work closely with the local police and the council.
• The community guide project is contracted to run from November 19 until May 2, 2010. The council will then evaluate the project before deciding whether to extend the contract.
