Community

A strong sense of passionate involvement in community prevails in the district. There are over 300 active clubs, societies and organisations operating in Oamaru, far too many to detail on this website! The Waitaki District Council produces a community services directory that is regularly updated and available for a small fee.

For information contact:
Waitaki District Council
Customer Services Unit
20 Thames Street, Oamaru
T: +64 3 433 0300
E: csunit@waitaki.govt.nz

The Citizens Advice Bureau, located in Community House, is a great one-stop shop for your inquiries. Friendly, trained staff will connect you with a relevant contact person or group.

Citizens Advice Bureau
100 Thames Street, Oamaru
T: +64 3 434 9743 or 0800 367 222

For government agencies contact:
Heartland Services
23 Coquet Street, Oamaru
T: +64 3 904 2988

Community Safety
As well as offering plenty of activities and support, the Waitaki District is one of the safest places in New Zealand to live. Oamaru police run a variety of programmes aimed at enhancing community safety. The town has a youth education officer, a youth aid officer, a community constable and 24-hour general duty and criminal investigation capability. Serious crime rates are relatively low and response rates are high with residents and other agencies working cooperatively with local police to take a preventative approach to crime.

For more information contact:
Oamaru Police
Severn Street, Oamaru
T: +64 3 433 1400

The Waitaki Community Safer co-ordinator runs a range of programmes with families’ and children’s safety in mind. They include a walking school bus and a safe house programme, which provides a network of easily identifiable businesses children can use if they ever feel unsafe in the community.

For more information contact:
Waitaki Safer Community Officer
102 Thames Street, Oamaru
T: +64 3 434 5284
E: safer.waitaki@waitaki.govt.nz