South Auckland?

Question

Hi. I have heard so many bad things about South Auckland. Does it compare with the ghettos in America? How would it compare to the bad parts of Sydney?

Any one live there or near there? How bad is it? Is it safe to walk to the shops?

Answer 1

You'll always hear bad things about South Auckland because there is a 'stigma' attached to it - but I don't necessarily agree with those who have already posted.  

There is NO comparison to the ghettos in America and hardly to the bad parts in Sydney.  There are social issues, poverty and poor education in parts of South Auckland but also remember there are some of the most expensive properties and wealthiest people who live in the South Auckland region.  I myself own two properties in South Auckland and made a CHOICE to move there from Australia.

Yes there are gang related problems in SOME parts of SthAkl but not in all.  If you want to live in those areas, go for it, if you want to avoid them, choose somewhere else.

I have friends and property investors who live in Papakura and LOVE it. I normally shop in Papakura (or Pukekohe in Franklin District) and have never had any trouble.

if you dont' want to live in South Auckland townships then consider going even further south to Pukekohe, it's absolutely beautiful down there, housing is reasonable, safe country communities AND you can still jump on the motorway to get to work.

I personally love South Auckland and can't wait to go back.

Just remember too, South Auckland isn't JUST Otara, Papakura, Mangere, Onehunga ... it's a very large area, a city in it's own right and there is no comparison with Sydney or Ghettos of the USA.

Answer 2

Hey! If your a printer, you know how to create a good impression, just avoid scum.

Answer 3

I used to live there, Manurewa/clendon area about 10-15yrs ago we lived about 10mins walk from the beach (you could see it from our house), went back a couple of christmases ago its totally different now from the house we used to live in you cant even see any beach too many houses too many people, I did walk around alot back then (except at night) it was ok, I certainly wouldnt walk around now probably not even during the day.

Its not as ghetto as USA (havent been to sydney in over 20yrs) however yes their are some parts of the South that I just would not venture into by myself.

I agree with daisy about the gangs around South Auckland they stick to their own patches, Ive not seen any except for one (they have been based there for years and before I lived there) however it has been rumoured not to wear certain colours (red or blue) in certain areas, what areas I dont know, I just make sure not to wear those colours ever!....

I do think though back then and now papakura and otara are the worst followed by mangere.

Answer 4

Sth Akld is probably one of the badest places in NZ, apart from P-town in Wellington.  In saying this, not everywhere in Sth Akld is bad, just in some places & were nothing compared to America or Sydney because were alot smaller.  There are several different gangs representing their hood just like other parts of the world, but its on a smaller scale because NZ isn't as big like USA or OZ.  We still have our fair share of gang related problems just like most countries, but again, its just on a smaller scale.  All countries have their bad places, but mostly because of poverty & hardship.  Personally, I wouldn't walk to the shop due to fear of being jacked for my shoes or clothes.  Drive everywhere - at least this way, you'll have a better chance of seeing your surroundings before you jump out the car into danger.