'Drug dealing, prostitution': 24-hour policing urged at CRL stop after spate of violence
There are calls for tighter security and a 24-hour police presence at one of the City Rail Link’s new stations after two violent incidents in as many days on or around Auckland’s Karangahape Rd, including a bar brawl that prompted a major police response.
A newly formed residents’ group says authorities must act before the Karanga-a-Hape Station opens, warning public safety cannot become an afterthought.
The group is calling for a permanent 24-hour police presence, saying ongoing antisocial behaviour around the Mercury Lane station entrance risks undermining one of New Zealand’s biggest transport investments.
While Auckland Transport (AT) has yet to confirm an opening date, AT officials have hinted an announcement is imminent pending final testing and safety approvals.
The public opening date will be revealed once those approvals are secured, with commuters then given six weeks’ notice before services begin.
Karangahape Precinct Collective chairman William Keung said while residents and businesses were looking forward to the station opening and the opportunities it would bring, authorities needed to ensure people felt safe using it from day one.
“The City Rail Link has the potential to reinvigorate Karangahape Rd and bring new life, visitors and investment into the precinct.
“But that potential will only be realised if people feel safe and confident using the station from the day it opens,” Keung said.
He said residents and businesses had repeatedly raised concerns about persistent antisocial and criminal behaviour around the Mercury Lane station entrance, including drug dealing, public drug use and prostitution.
“Having a security guard positioned at the station entrance alone will not address the broader safety issues being experienced around Mercury Lane. What is needed is a co-ordinated and sustained response involving Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and New Zealand Police.”
Keung said the precinct needed a permanent 24-hour police presence to deter offending and reassure commuters.
“If the City Rail Link is to deliver the economic, social and transport benefits it promises, safety cannot be treated as an afterthought.”
Several people were arrested after a bar brawl in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police were called to break up disorder on Auckland's Karangahape Rd.
One person was arrested when police initially arrived and left, but the bar called the police a short time later, reporting more fighting and advising them they would be shutting the bar down.
About 500 people were packed into the bar.
“There was already a significant number of pedestrians in the area around the bar, and additional officers were brought in to manage the crowd as patrons left the bar when it closed,” a police spokesperson said.
Seven people were arrested; however, six of those were subsequently released without charge.
The remaining person was charged with assaulting police.
Two men have separately been charged after a disorder incident that left one person seriously injured last night.
Police were called to a venue on Mercury Lane about 7.10pm after a report of disorder between three people.
Police are investigating a serious assault on Auckland's Mercury Lane. Photo / Hayden Woodward
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said last night that one person was taken to nearby Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
Two people were arrested near the scene and taken to hospital with moderate injuries, a police spokesperson said this morning.
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