There are calls for a more prominent police presence in central suburbs of Auckland after a man was shot dead in Ponsonby.
A manhunt is underway after the fatal shooting on Ponsonby Road on Sunday night. Police have released a photo of a man who they say is extremely dangerous and are appealing for help identifying him.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said he was horrified to hear about the shooting.
Speaking on AM on Tuesday Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck said she wants more police in the city to help reassure residents.
Beck said crime has been getting worse for several years and action must be taken.
"Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more of these issues and it's not something we expect to see in the communities we live and work in," Beck said.
"It's not the place we know and love, so I think there is a genuine concern about it."
Beck said increasing crime such as thefts, burglaries and violent crime, is putting locals on edge.
"We noticed quite a deterioration through the COVID period and we were asking for a range of things. We wanted to see a stronger police presence, a downtown police station, we recognised also that there were mental health and addiction issues and people who need specialist support and we wanted to see better management of emergency housing through COVID."
Beck said even now post-COVID some of those issues are just as acute.
"Some of those issues actually still need that level of support because they aren't just criminal issues, they're social issues."
Beck said things are starting to change and the police have stepped up in recent months, but she still wants to see more officers on the beat.
"We are seeing a more visible presence but we don't believe we've got enough of them and we do still want to see a downtown station."
She said the last thing they want is for people to be put off visiting the heart of the city.
"There is still a lot more that needs to be done and the reality is it's not just the central city."
She said they want to see action now.
"Police are the thing that makes most people feel safer, also wardens on the street."
Police told Newshub they are reviewing a number of calls with information relating to the shooting.
"At this stage, no arrests have been made, however, enquiries remain ongoing," a spokesperson said.
"We continue to ask anyone with information on the man’s identity or whereabouts to please contact police immediately on 111. Further updates will be provided proactively when available."
