A note about the rising crime rate in NZ

Back in 2006 when we were here last, we traveled from Christchurch to Auckland and never heard about any crimes; violent or otherwise. But then we didn’t ever go into Auckland or parts north. This time there are news stories about tourist girls being beaten and killed, Maori gangs, don’t go here or there after dark, etc. Ever since we headed north, every time we have asked about going to this beach or that, the directions have always been appended with “whatever you do, don’t leave anything in your car.” No matter how big or small the town is. 

The farther north we go, the more you are cautioned. They prey on tourists I guess, and the farther north you go, the worse it seems to be. With the exception of the Dargaville CSI team, we have not seen a single cop since we left Auckland. 

I think that this also answers the tailgating/excessive speed (we have affectionately named them “butt-sniffers”) on the road question. Less cops equals more guts. Cynthia got egged while walking down the sidewalk one evening.