On a separate but potentially related issue we note that freedom camping is prohibited in Mission Bay – if this occurs please report it to Auckland Council.  However, please be aware freedom camping is not prohibited in Kohimarama.

Noise and behavioural problems at Selwyn Reserve have improved considerably over the past few years. While there are still intermittent issues, local residents report that they are nowhere near as severe as they have been. I doubt it is possible to get rid of all issues, but let's celebrate the improvement.

The improvement has been due to a wide range of measure taken. There has been no magic silver bullet but rather a steady and methodical approach with multiple elements.

• greater police presence and faster response to complaints
• regular Maori Warden presence - these guys have done a great job
• increased parking restrictions to discourage overnight partying
• alignment of the times the parking lots close and the Tamaki Drive parking restriction cut in to help police move vehicles on when they leave the parking areas
• improved lighting
• improved signage

We met with the Orakei Local Board and the Police on 10 March to discuss options to reduce the noise and behaviour issues as Selwyn Reserve.

This is a difficult problem, because while the noise from late night/early morning partiers is annoying, it generally does not reach a level that would make it a significant police priority.  Most offences are for breaches of bylaws, such as noise controls, liquor bans, parking infringements or fireworks.  These offences are enforced by Council staff, but we are told that they are not generally prepared to take any enforcement action unless they are accompanied by the police for security.  Until now, there has been little or no effort to coordinate responses between the council staff and police, and so there has been no enforcement.

At the meeting, the police agreed to look at ways they could practically support council staff with enforcement, and how they might discourage overnight partying.

It was also agreed that the OLB and police would look at options for improving security camera coverage and the protocols for how the cameras might be used.  At the moment, the cameras are not monitored in person full time, but the police have access to the live and recorded feeds so they can check on the situation at any time and decide what response might be appropriate.  They can also use recorded footage to follow up on incidents and identify offenders after the fact.

This has been a problem for a very long time, and is very difficult to fix.  However, it does appear that both the OLB and the Police are now taking it seriously, and prepared to look at innovative and coordiated approaches to try to find a solution.

​We will keep following up.