Waipa District continues to stand out for its notably low crime rate compared to other districts and the national average. [1] According to the latest data from Infometrics, Waipa recorded 142 criminal proceedings per 10,000 people in the year to June 2025. This is significantly lower than:
Taupo District: 449 per 10,000
Hauraki District: 253 per 10,000
Wairarapa District: 231 per 10,000
New Zealand overall: 225 per 10,000 [1]
This trend raises an important question: What is Waipa doing differently?
The Role of Good Policing
Waipa benefits from a strong and proactive police presence. Local officers are known for their collaborative approach, working closely with community patrols, Neighbourhood Support groups, and residents. This partnership fosters trust, encourages reporting, and ensures that police are aware of local concerns before they escalate.
Police in Waipa also maintain open lines of communication, regularly engaging with the public through meetings, social media, and community events. This visibility and accessibility contributes to a sense of safety and shared responsibility.
Police in Waipa have been giving strong messages about the need to increase reporting of crime. They have also changed how they deploy staff in response to rising crime levels so to best respond to incidents.
Community Patrols and Neighbourhood Support: A Vital Link
Waipa’s success in crime prevention is also supported by active Community Patrols and Neighbourhood Support. These groups:
Act as extra “eyes and ears” for police
Patrol streets and public spaces
Advocate on behalf of the community for better safety measures (e.g. lighting)
Educate residents about safety and crime prevention
Help to activate strong street safety measures in neighbourhoods.
Their presence not only deters criminal behaviour but also strengthens community cohesion.
Neighbourhood Actions That Help Keep Crime Low
Residents and neighbourhoods in Waipa can also take several steps to maintain and improve safety:
1. Build Strong Local Networks
Get to know your neighbours. Share contact details, look out for one another and plan actively to make your street unfriendly to criminals. (Ask Neighbourhood Support for advice)
2. Improve Lighting and Visibility
Well-lit streets and driveways discourage opportunistic crime.
3. Install Security Cameras and Alarms
Visible security measures act as deterrents and aid investigations. Cameras can be registered to Communitycam.co.nz which means that Police can locate cameras and ask for footage.
4. Engage Youth in Positive Activities
Support local sports, arts, and mentoring programs to reduce youth offending.
5. Report ALL instances of crime or attempted crime
Use 111 if happening now, or 105 online if offenders are likely long gone.
6. Attend Safety Workshops facilitated by Neighbourhood Support.
Ask Neighbourhood Support to hold a safety workshop for your street. Learn how to protect your home, property, and personal safety.
7. Use Technology to Stay Connected
Join local Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, or Neighbourhood Support networks to share alerts and updates.
A Question Worth Asking
With Waipa’s crime rate significantly lower than Taupo, Hauraki, Wairarapa and the national average, we must ask: Is it the result of good policing, strong community patrols, and active Neighbourhood Support?
The evidence suggests that collaboration is key. Crime is a community problem and efforts to combat it are more likely to succeed if community works alongside their Police. When Police and communities work together, crime doesn’t just get punished, it gets prevented.
Ref: [1] https://tinyurl.com/5h3kbsvf (https://qem/infometrics.co.nz)