On Thursday 16th of June, the two Year 12 Geography classes had the opportunity to tour around the Christchurch City Council and Police Station in town.

First up was the City Council on Hereford Street, we learnt all about the meaning of the building and how the Toi whakariro (wooden art carving) was gifted by Ngāi Tahu. The building itself is eco-friendly using sunlight and blinds on timers to make the most out of natural energy.

We learnt about the city and how the council are involved in all aspects of improvement, citizen entertainment, transport and more. We were asked for our feedback on the city, positives as well as negatives, and gave ideas as to what our city could improve. We want Christchurch to be a more teen and cost friendly place. We also discussed new ideas and future plans, including the plans for Te Kaha, while sitting in Council Chambers. It ended in a heated debate I must say!

Next was the Police Station on Lichfield Street where we learnt about the different jobs within the force. Intelligence was the first, we were told about the different crime patterns throughout New Zealand, hotspots and how different factors affect crime patterns depending on seasons, the time of year, location etc.

We also learnt about Comms and how the people that work as dispatchers are most definitely surrounded by endless support from their team and staff. We got to hear about the highs and lows of first hand crime calls throughout various cities across Aotearoa and how the people in Comms deal with all kinds of situations. Calls can go from people in Dunedin being held hostage by a possum to dispatching Fire, Police, Ambulance. Next we moved onto force fitness where we were challenged with the 25 police push ups and the jump test! It was super fun to see all the girls having a laugh while attempting everything and of course succeeding!! 

The last part of the day saw us talk to wāhine in the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS), a specialist division within NZ Police who attend the toughest incidents in our city. Overall, it was a super day filled with lots of laughs and useful information for our new topic that looks at crime patterns in Chicago and how we can link what we learn to the ideas surrounding crime patterns in cities and the effects growing urbanisation has. I also just want to say a big thank you to the whole Geo team at Christchurch Girls' High School / Te Kura o Hine Waiora, City Council and NZ police for making the day happen!