Crime and Pollution in Invercargill

Crime Data in Invercargill

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Invercargill's crime data indicates a moderate level of concern among residents. While the overall crime index suggests consistency, there is apprehension regarding the increase in crime and specific safety issues during nighttime.

The city's daytime safety is positively perceived, but concerns arise when it comes to the night, mainly due to drug-related issues and property crimes.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, although not regarded as the highest concern, still present anxiety among residents who worry about theft, car break-ins, and potential home burglaries.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related crimes are a significant concern for Invercargill's community, with public perception indicating a substantial impact on the community’s well-being and safety.
• Violent Crimes - Concerns about violent crimes are not predominant in Invercargill, with residents showing less anxiety about physical assaults and robberies compared to other crime types.
• Public Safety - Invercargill residents generally feel safe during daylight hours, enjoying the city's public spaces and neighborhoods. At night, however, safety concerns about drug-related activities and property crimes reduce the perceived safety.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - There is a strong perception that crime rates are on the rise, particularly fueled by concerns over drug-related activities. This perception influences the overall community confidence levels.
• Specific Fears - Despite lower worries about violent crime, specific fears around theft and drug offenses persist, potentially affecting residents' day-to-day peace and contentment with the city's security efforts.

Summary of Crime in Invercargill

Despite challenges, Invercargill's focus on reducing drug-related issues is crucial. Enhanced community initiatives and targeted law enforcement are necessary to improve the overall sense of security for residents, addressing the prevalent drug problem effectively.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for New Zealand is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Hamilton

New Zealand

2. Auckland

New Zealand

3. Christchurch

New Zealand

4. Wellington

New Zealand

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Invercargill has noted commendable air quality with moderately low pollution levels. The city manages to maintain a good balance in its environmental quality, although particulate matter remains a watch point, particularly PM2.5 and PM10.

Overall, public sentiment is optimistic about the city's air quality, although continued vigilance and efforts toward reducing pollution can further enhance livability.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels in Invercargill are moderate, posing minimal risk to the general population, yet it's an area that requires consistent monitoring to prevent adverse health effects, especially in vulnerable groups.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - The PM10 levels are slightly higher, contributing somewhat to the city's overall pollution profile, but within limits that are not alarming for public health.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a considerable issue in Invercargill, affecting residents' quality of life, primarily in denser areas. Concerns regarding light pollution are similarly high.

Garbage disposal systems are well-received by the public, though some residents express a desire for more efficient management in certain neighborhoods.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Garbage disposal in Invercargill generally receives positive feedback with satisfaction regarding waste management efforts, although there are notes for further improvement in certain districts.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise and light pollution are significant concerns, especially in urban areas, where constant noise from traffic and industry can disrupt everyday life.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Invercargill is noted for its exceptional green spaces, offering substantial environmental benefits and acting as key recreational and relaxation zones for its residents.

The city’s water quality is highly regarded, with accessible, clean drinking water bolstering the community’s health and happiness.

• Green and Parks Quality - The high quality of Invercargill's parks is a source of great pride for its residents, who view these areas as an integral component of their quality of life.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water in Invercargill is of excellent quality, widely accessible, and considered a significant asset to the local community.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for New Zealand is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Auckland

New Zealand

2. Christchurch

New Zealand

3. Wellington

New Zealand