Worked in Otara for 11 years until I retired in February (this year). Never had an awkward moment. People are really friendly and helpful. They are a great community.
I as a pakeha heavily pregnant woman popped into Otara center right around xmas time one year to do a spot of shopping as looking for stocking fillers. Not normally somewhere I'd go due to being a bit out of my way. Place was super packed and crowds huge but WOW the people were the loveliest peeps ever. Actually making room for me to get through and I kinda felt like a bit of a queen. Just the sweetest most caring community ever. So much respect for them all and I felt safer shopping there than I did at my local shopping ctr where so many crazy shoppers coming at me with their bloody shopping trolleys lol.
Expecting mamas are queens Same as the elders If not given respect in community got to wonder what is being taught at home and school Stay considerate to precious members of your community
stayed in auckland for a couple of weeks went there to do our washing, I have a brain injued son who liked to steal food he was only about 4 then, the whole crew sat in a circle with us on the floor while our washing was going so I could let go of his hand and he just sat on peoples knees he loved it, thank you people, forever greatful for your kindness
Otara , Otahuhu , Mangere , Manukau , Manurewa has some of the kindest people living there . Like most people they do their best to get on with life and provide for their families
I guess places are in the eye of the beholder. I arrived in Auckland in 1999 from London UK and stayed 4 months at Mount Albert and travelled right around North Island with Kiwi friends. I've travelled the globe way back, WAY WAY back but I honestly thought that Auckland at the Millennium was THEE COOLEST City I'd EVER seen and I was just blown away with the Sunshine, Vibrancy, the Locals, the Shops and the Cars and just EVERYTHING. I'd never experienced such exhilaration in a City and I've travelled all around the Far East, Phillipines, South Africa, Mediterranean, Europe and Copenhagen and Rotterdam BUT AUCKLAND TOPPED THE WHOLE SHEBANG ! We went up into Northland and down thru Auckland Manukau City, Hamilton, across to Opotoki and Roturua and a ton of other COOL places. I was just blown away with everything so much so that when I left Auckland in 2000 to travel back to the UK I literally sobbed my heart out all the way to Seoul Korea until the plane change 😂 I kid thee not. Anyways, I came back in 2001 and got permanent residency in 2003 but I ended up down the bottom of South Island by foolishly following someone else's dream and now I'm seeking to relocate but it's been 23 years since I was up in Auckland and I had my heart set on Northland not only for the warm weather for my renal failure but also for the stunning beauty that North Island holds in my Heart. However, several people have said that Auckland has changed and to find somewhere else but until proven I believe it's in the eye of the beholder. I guess one could meet adversity in any country on any day of the week for ANY reason so I still have my heart set on Northland with my dressmaking enterprise but we'll see. However, i have only beautifully stunning memories of NORTH ISLAND YEAR 1999/2000. I might open up my Facebook again (@StephSancia) as it has a plethora of photos I took of North Island on a 35mm Canon at that time when the Yacht racing was on and Helen Clark was Prime Minister. Have a fabulous week ahead
Hi there, 64 year old Kiwi here lived central North Island my entire life. South Island is amazing to visit and I have been to lots of it but there is a fairly distinct North and South individual "breed" of people here, both happy in their preference and you need to get yourself North Island based from the words I read. You have but one life and and it is super important to be where you know you want to be. Do whatever it takes to make the move as soon as you can Best wishes.
I wish more New Zealanders were as open minded as you are as a visitor. I don't live in Auckland but have visited the markets and shops of South Auckland quite often. I enjoy the atmosphere All over NZ there are places like Rotorua, Opotiki and Ruatoria that some people warn others about. In my experience a warm smile, and a bit of common sense, makes visiting anywhere, including these so called dangerous places, interesting and pleasurable. Thanks for breaking some of the fear based myths.
Many areas in South Auckland don't receive as much public funding which I think feeds into the stereotype, but it also causes people to form stronger connections with their community which is where you see the cultural vibrancy come in.
You’re kidding right? All you need to do is look at the playgrounds in these areas look at all the money pumped in to try keep kids busy there instead of getting into trouble
@@nathancroft5839 a lot of playgrounds have only recently been upgraded after decades of neglect. I know this because they were the same ones I used as a child. When you look at the North Shore and eastern suburbs, there's no comparison. And as far as keeping kids out of trouble, just putting in some playgrounds is only going to go so far.
@@josephl9619 sure, but per capita it likely falls behind the rest of Auckland due to things like traditionally poor census turnout. Although the new developments going in may help to change that somewhat.
@@jbeijer9438 I agree the census matters and hopefully they can get a more accurate picture for future funding in health etc. But south auckland gets more funding in many ways: lower decile schools recieve more, there are more benificieries like solo mothers, more police resources are needed, and more health issues requiring health spending. I dont begrudge it - i believe in supporting those who need it - but to say that south auckland gets less public funding is wrong. The truth is it gets more
I live in Southern California NZ looks a lot like home. I have to say you have a nice enthusiasm for the mundane; a farmer's market and a half run down outdoor mall - you say WOW a lot! - Also please slow down the camera movement -dizzying- but overall you are a good promoter and seem very sincere - fun to watch your enjoyment of common things.
Thank you very much for your words I really appreciate your comments, and you’re totally right about slowing the camera down I was making myself dizzy watching it back haha. Thanks again my friend.
Glad to hear your next place is Papatoetoe, my mother's resting place and a place that's very close to my heart, even though I grew up in Henderson and Ponsonby lol,love that your showing south Auckland in an awesome way!!
I was born and raised in Otara and it’s the most friendly place in south Auckland it’s dangerous ONLY when you mess with the locals they don’t muck around,but I guess that’s like most places in the world
As a child my parents and my brothers and sister would go to Otara in the 1960s. This was when the shopping mall there was brand new. Certainly has changed.
Love the fact you travel to the places people have told you are the worst, and in every one you get a hearty sense of community and get shown the love in some form or another. Also love that you choose to see the best in a place/person before you judge, it's a trait not a lot of people have anymore, don't lose that mate! Got me craving lamb buns lately though! 😆
I grew up in Mangere from the 70s to the early 90s. We would visit the Otara markets once a fortnights and the Mangere markets every other week. Great food, and an awesome vibe and atmosphere. Sure, these places have had their issues over the years, but I feel a lot safer walking around Otara and Mangere than other places in the world. Like Tijuana, parts of Las Vegas, parts of LA and parts of NYC. Manurewa and Papakura are generally okay as well, apart from a few bad streets here and there. I've walked most of these areas at night as well. I saw more trouble in Queen street (downtown Auckland) than I did in the South.
When I was younger, our family used to always head over to the Otara Shopping Centre on late opening night (Friday, until 9.00pm). This was in the late 1960's and early 1970's, when the centre was quite new, fairly unique, and most shoppers and shop owners were European. Today, it's a very different place, but not in a bad way. Once the Mangere Town Centre opened in the early 1970's, we cut ties with the Otara mall, as it was further away than Mangere - we lived in Mangere East at the time.
Yeah, I grew up in Wairoa and can confirm. My family are REAL gang-y. Police couldn't do anything to them. Worst childhood ever. But, it was also the 90's/00's, so, I dunno what it's like now. Probs still bad.
chris- Kaitaia- nasty gangs with boots running loose at night atatckking ignorant visitors and Back- packers who hitch in at night time not knowing local gangs out hunting for them.'''
I guess nothing has change since the last time I was there back In 1983, the people In Mangere and Otara were all laid back ,never ever any dramas,. It's good to see an up date on Otara....thanks for ur upload Curles👍
Am from Central Auckland but most of my family live in South Auckland I go there a lot the reputation it has received has been grossly unfair the people there are some of the nicest people you'll meet and the vibe and atmosphere is great! A lot of the reputation is sadly down to a bit of classism and racism.
That's like Dhaka. It's considered one of the most 'dangerous" cities in the world, but it's the opposite. World leaders just wants you to avoid cheap, fantastic places so they can earn money.
I'm a security guard doing mobile patrols who works alone during the night. I use to work in Otara and not once did I ever feel unsafe despite all the negative publicly it gets. Otara town center is actually quite vibrant with a good variety of shopping and eateries. Yes it's a low socio suburb but I don't find it dangerous. When I visited New York we took a drive through the Bronx and Harlem and I also didn't find it as bad as what Hollywood portrays it to be. The most impoverished areas I've seen in NZ is in the far north.
The security industry in new zealand is cooked - here in townsville australia we work in pairs - groups even. plus we get a basic $32p/h wage weekdays ($37 berween 6pm-6am) $48p/h saturdays and $55p/h sundays and public holidays plus 10% super on all days we work. screw the $22.50 in new zealand where night/weekend rates are ridiculed.
@@chrisheffernan3998 I'm on $30p/h flat rate including weekends and working night shift. The only time I get more are public holidays which is time and a half and day in lue.
@@wellingtonian2009 $30p/h for security in new zealand? You must be in-house or a contractor as all the major outsourcing security firms in NZ pay minimum wage or 15c above, come to over to aussie for the $$$$ plus they cannot hold it against you if you dont want to work a public holiday over here
@@chrisheffernan3998 the big companies such as Armourgard, First Security, Matrix pay little more than the minimum wage. I work for a small company in Auckland doing mobile patrols and I'm not a contractor or supervisor. We also only work a 10 hour shift instead of 12 hours like most other companies. I previously worked for one of the big security companies and worked crazy long hours for roughly the same or slightly more than I'm earning now. In the past I've also been a contractor for one of the big companies but would never go back to contracting again. On paper it looks like good money but by the time you minus your running costs, taxes, ACC levy, your own vehicle and pay part time staff you're not much better off than if you were on wages and it's too much of a commitment. On top of that you don't get annual leave or sick pay.
@@wellingtonian2009 armourguard and first security are crap - crazy long hours for minimum wage or 15c above it, even mobile patrols and supervisors get only 50c more than guards. I used to work at simply security , started out on $1 above minimum and finished up a senior guard 7 years later with training responsibilities on minimum and being screwed around with a/l and lieu entitlements. Plus management had a habit of approving/declining annual leave literally at the last minute and expecting you to come into work sick. Way to treat one of your longest serving employees Simply Security
Otara was a dangerous place back in the early 2000s most places in south auckland was its calmed down alot since then otara has its days like everywhere else around the country. OTARA IS HOME 💯
I grew up in Sth Auckland and when I toured Argentina, it was a lot more unsafe in the hoods over there. Even though our gangsters were twice as big as theirs, they were a lot colder and desperate. The same for South Chicago. Over here we have the biggest toughest physical thugs, but they are not as heartless and uncaring as the thugs in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. We're a small population and even most of the gangsters would rather just try to exist together.
I would never have considered anywhere in South Auckland to be the most dangerous town in New Zealand. The Pacifica community us always very friendly. Dangerous, or less safe towns, would probably include Kawerau, Murupara, Ruatoria, Kaikohe, Mierewa, Mataura, probably Huntly goes on the list now too. Ah, New Zealand.
The food is in areas like Otara, and Mangere is awesome. I am in Papakura and the food choices out here sucks, I drive to Otara to buy kai. Back in the day I loved Otara Market, we would go very early 6.30am , get in and get out parking was crazy.
I used to be a Barman in Otahuhu . I also lived in Otahuhu for 6 years. I used to walk everyday to my workplace My workplace was situated at the Otahuhu town. You do get lots of homeless (druggies) in Otahuhu town roaming in the street being a menace to the society. This is the bitter truth the bad side of Otahuhu. You get only few nice locals
When houses in South Auckland now start at $1million, its a very far way from where it was in the 90s. Now all of Auckland is "rough" with the level of crime.
You have roast takeaways in the UK - when I was staying there I used to go to one off Fleet Street for lunch (roast beef and yorkie puds) and sometimes breakfast (bacon and egg baps).
Back in the day my friend got mugged in Otara, she lived there her whole life , just by Hilary College. We were only in high school then maybe around 1994 and we're small girls, got mugged by 5 guys for her chicago bulls starter jacket, I'll never forgot that.. pretty sad. Tbh it looks the same as it did back then.
Not anywhere, but would be a lot safer than a lot of places there for sure. Mainly due to not being able to buy guns so easily. Christchurch was one of the most violent cities in the world per capita awhile back. The hoods of USA aren’t as bad as they say also. There’s good people everywhere
I lived in Otara in the late 60s as a kid and he walked past what use to be a toy shop in the town centre. The market there is very popular not been back there in years use to live in Lappington Rd.
Don't worry about some of the folks here giving you a hard time, South Auckland isn't the safest place to be, especially at night. It's safer than it used to be, but still not as safe as other parts of Auckland. I lived in Mangere East and Papatoetoe North (right on ME's border) for forty years, from 1962 to 2002, so I know what the area is about.
Hi Otara is not the only wonderful place in STH Auckland, I worked in the old Grand Chancellor Hotel in Mangere for a year and i would pop out to the fantastic little Cafe next door for a coffee and food and up the road was the most wonderful laundrette. Cheers.
@@JaemanEdwards oh really? I loved growing up out those ways. I suppose it is a little dull at times but luckily for me I was a very boring and studious student so it worked out. When I graduated with honour's the local dairy owner was the first one to congratulate me, so I suppose it is a bit dull as news like that spread so fast haha. I now live in a house in central Auckland as it's close to my work, but I still love Waiuku and think of it fondly.
@@valness3017 Yeah me too. I grew up in Manurewa and played Counties age group reps, and we used to practice in Waiuku sometimes. And I played club and school rugby there many times. I had a good friend in the team that lived nearby in Glenbrook. In later years I had an uncle and aunty move out there, a mate move there and start a lawn mowing business, and a workmate go halves with his daughter and son in law on a brand new lifestyle block out there . We sit on his deck drinking beer and barbecueing big thick steaks while looking at a whole field of cows right in front of us. Those activists would be so mad at our insensitivity. You seem like you've done well for yourself if you can afford to live in central Auckland. Well done. I'm sure the humble town of Waiuku are very proud of you.
Born and bread South East Aucklander of 42 years. South Auckland is alive during daylight hours. Loads of smiling people, the food is a focal point and the community feel is amazing. Come dusk, mix in alcohol, drugs and gangs, the place gets crazy. Manukau city has the biggest police station for a reason. I guess the mix of those negative things brings out the worst in any city anywhere. Unfortunately heavily populated with low socio economic representation makes for a dog eat dog world. Roller doors on shop fronts at end of trade with ram raid proof bollards shows what may be possible once the vibrant good sorts shut up shop and head home to be safe. Like any place in the world the vibe is different once the sun goes down. Sadly the way things are forces people to choose crime to make it through the day ahead, put food on the table and keep their family above water and in education. On top of this all Auckland is an expensive place to live. You'd see a whole new world after 10pm at the train stations, bus depots, and town squares and I'm glad you didn't go there. On a brighter note, you got to experience one of the best markets in Auckland. People travel far to buy their goods from there. The Mana of Community holds the place together so you take the good with the bad. Kia Kaha South Auckland.
When I first moved to NZ (American) I was in South Auckland, walking toward a shop when a rather beat-up car with four Maori teenagers in it playing their stereo quite loudly pulled up, and the driver got out. He glared at me and snarled, "What CHOO lookin' at?" Me, being a pakeha woman of a Certain Age but not your typical nana, just smiled and said, "You. Cuz you're just so damned CUTE!" His jaw dropped, his three mates in the car burst out laughing. Then he smiled and said, "Let me get the door for you, Auntie, " and opened the shop door for me like a true gentleman. It's all in how you view the world...
7:41 What you're looking at is the body of the ika/fish. Where you're standing in the video is the tail and further up by the Dr./Pharmacy is the head.
Im a lifetime resident of Queens NYC. MOST "bad neighborhoods" in Any city gets that reputation because there are poor people and Immigrants living there. The "secret" is that is where locals get the best deals and meals.
Worked in Otara for 11 years until I retired in February (this year). Never had an awkward moment. People are really friendly and helpful. They are a great community.
What did you do for a job?
Were you the local pump, that would make your life OK.
of course they gna be great to a female lmao
@@grancitodos7318😂 Funny cnt
@@JaemanEdwardsThank you.
I as a pakeha heavily pregnant woman popped into Otara center right around xmas time one year to do a spot of shopping as looking for stocking fillers. Not normally somewhere I'd go due to being a bit out of my way. Place was super packed and crowds huge but WOW the people were the loveliest peeps ever. Actually making room for me to get through and I kinda felt like a bit of a queen. Just the sweetest most caring community ever. So much respect for them all and I felt safer shopping there than I did at my local shopping ctr where so many crazy shoppers coming at me with their bloody shopping trolleys lol.
Pakheyha
Moved to old Pap in 2007-2021 From maraenui napier, beautiful community and friendly, then you get the markets 🤤🤤
@@realtalunkarku the racists are in the whare🤦🏾♂️
Expecting mamas are queens Same as the elders If not given respect in community got to wonder what is being taught at home and school Stay considerate to precious members of your community
Otara is not as bad as the media portrays it to be. There are a lot of good people there, but theres obviously gonna be those who give Otara a bad rep
media outlets usually paints a different painting than what's the one infront of us
The hood during the day, and the night are two different things
thats right
stayed in auckland for a couple of weeks went there to do our washing, I have a brain injued son who liked to steal food he was only about 4 then, the whole crew sat in a circle with us on the floor while our washing was going so I could let go of his hand and he just sat on peoples knees he loved it, thank you people, forever greatful for your kindness
Otara , Otahuhu , Mangere , Manukau , Manurewa has some of the kindest people living there . Like most people they do their best to get on with life and provide for their families
I guess places are in the eye of the beholder. I arrived in Auckland in 1999 from London UK and stayed 4 months at Mount Albert and travelled right around North Island with Kiwi friends. I've travelled the globe way back, WAY WAY back but I honestly thought that Auckland at the Millennium was THEE COOLEST City I'd EVER seen and I was just blown away with the Sunshine, Vibrancy, the Locals, the Shops and the Cars and just EVERYTHING. I'd never experienced such exhilaration in a City and I've travelled all around the Far East, Phillipines, South Africa, Mediterranean, Europe and Copenhagen and Rotterdam BUT AUCKLAND TOPPED THE WHOLE SHEBANG ! We went up into Northland and down thru Auckland Manukau City, Hamilton, across to Opotoki and Roturua and a ton of other COOL places. I was just blown away with everything so much so that when I left Auckland in 2000 to travel back to the UK I literally sobbed my heart out all the way to Seoul Korea until the plane change 😂 I kid thee not. Anyways, I came back in 2001 and got permanent residency in 2003 but I ended up down the bottom of South Island by foolishly following someone else's dream and now I'm seeking to relocate but it's been 23 years since I was up in Auckland and I had my heart set on Northland not only for the warm weather for my renal failure but also for the stunning beauty that North Island holds in my Heart. However, several people have said that Auckland has changed and to find somewhere else but until proven I believe it's in the eye of the beholder. I guess one could meet adversity in any country on any day of the week for ANY reason so I still have my heart set on Northland with my dressmaking enterprise but we'll see. However, i have only beautifully stunning memories of NORTH ISLAND YEAR 1999/2000. I might open up my Facebook again (@StephSancia) as it has a plethora of photos I took of North Island on a 35mm Canon at that time when the Yacht racing was on and Helen Clark was Prime Minister. Have a fabulous week ahead
Hi there, 64 year old Kiwi here lived central North Island my entire life. South Island is amazing to visit and I have been to lots of it but there is a fairly distinct North and South individual "breed" of people here, both happy in their preference and you need to get yourself North Island based from the words I read. You have but one life and and it is super important to be where you know you want to be. Do whatever it takes to make the move as soon as you can Best wishes.
Compared to broken Britain , NZ is an absolute paradise .. I stayed in Manngere I had no problem
2775 You should have a look at it now or a visit
I think it's gonna be the next city of Auckland
Those shops haven't changed since the early 80s love it.
I grew up in Mangere and mum took us every weekend to Otara flea market. Love how you're open to different cultures. Great vid bro.
Go have a visit it's changed alot I think it's gonna be the next City of Auckland
275 Always
otara is the safest town in new zealand we would be the first people to reach out and help anyone in need
What about during the night time though? Would it still be the safest town during the night? 😜😄😄
I wish more New Zealanders were as open minded as you are as a visitor. I don't live in Auckland but have visited the markets and shops of South Auckland quite often. I enjoy the atmosphere
All over NZ there are places like Rotorua, Opotiki and Ruatoria that some people warn others about. In my experience a warm smile, and a bit of common sense, makes visiting anywhere, including these so called dangerous places, interesting and pleasurable.
Thanks for breaking some of the fear based myths.
your excitement is infectious.. love it
Ive only meet a handful of people that pronounce Maori towns correctly you are the first foreigner good on you bro chur
Church bro
Many areas in South Auckland don't receive as much public funding which I think feeds into the stereotype, but it also causes people to form stronger connections with their community which is where you see the cultural vibrancy come in.
Actually an enormous amount of public funding goes into south auckland
You’re kidding right? All you need to do is look at the playgrounds in these areas look at all the money pumped in to try keep kids busy there instead of getting into trouble
@@nathancroft5839 a lot of playgrounds have only recently been upgraded after decades of neglect. I know this because they were the same ones I used as a child. When you look at the North Shore and eastern suburbs, there's no comparison. And as far as keeping kids out of trouble, just putting in some playgrounds is only going to go so far.
@@josephl9619 sure, but per capita it likely falls behind the rest of Auckland due to things like traditionally poor census turnout. Although the new developments going in may help to change that somewhat.
@@jbeijer9438 I agree the census matters and hopefully they can get a more accurate picture for future funding in health etc. But south auckland gets more funding in many ways: lower decile schools recieve more, there are more benificieries like solo mothers, more police resources are needed, and more health issues requiring health spending. I dont begrudge it - i believe in supporting those who need it - but to say that south auckland gets less public funding is wrong. The truth is it gets more
This is what you might say a tourist would see, purely a facade. The gang culture is extremely prevalent in South Auckland.
Wait til night time drinking domistic drama with the neighbours street fights all sorts happen only in the night time lol😂
Nah lol compared to Flaxmere Otara is 😂
I'm a proud South Aucklander, love your cheerful and positive attitude ♥️
Thanks for taking us along with you Curls! Enjoy seeing new places with your commentary.
I live in Southern California NZ looks a lot like home. I have to say you have a nice enthusiasm for the mundane; a farmer's market and a half run down outdoor mall - you say WOW a lot! - Also please slow down the camera movement -dizzying- but overall you are a good promoter and seem very sincere - fun to watch your enjoyment of common things.
Thank you very much for your words I really appreciate your comments, and you’re totally right about slowing the camera down I was making myself dizzy watching it back haha. Thanks again my friend.
Glad to hear your next place is Papatoetoe, my mother's resting place and a place that's very close to my heart, even though I grew up in Henderson and Ponsonby lol,love that your showing south Auckland in an awesome way!!
I was born and raised in Otara and it’s the most friendly place in south Auckland it’s dangerous ONLY when you mess with the locals they don’t muck around,but I guess that’s like most places in the world
I work in otara, no issues ever lol it used to be bad but has cleaned up massively over past 10 years
As a child my parents and my brothers and sister would go to Otara in the 1960s. This was when the shopping mall there was brand new. Certainly has changed.
Otara flea market most famous South Auckland market and longest running too..beautiful people and awesome atmosphere ❤
I reckon a lot more non locals will be visiting these markets, due to the rise in the cost of living.
I have very fond memories of the Otara markets! Thanks for the video mate...
😂😂😂 this is NOT the worst town in New Zealand!
True ass bro 😂
Yes it is
Agreed it's not even bad. What's this idiot talking about
Papakura is even way worse than Ōtara
@@waterman1561 nah ruatoria
Love the fact you travel to the places people have told you are the worst, and in every one you get a hearty sense of community and get shown the love in some form or another. Also love that you choose to see the best in a place/person before you judge, it's a trait not a lot of people have anymore, don't lose that mate! Got me craving lamb buns lately though! 😆
I grew up in Mangere from the 70s to the early 90s. We would visit the Otara markets once a fortnights and the Mangere markets every other week. Great food, and an awesome vibe and atmosphere. Sure, these places have had their issues over the years, but I feel a lot safer walking around Otara and Mangere than other places in the world. Like Tijuana, parts of Las Vegas, parts of LA and parts of NYC. Manurewa and Papakura are generally okay as well, apart from a few bad streets here and there. I've walked most of these areas at night as well. I saw more trouble in Queen street (downtown Auckland) than I did in the South.
A good video mate, so glad you did this one, pity I didn't get to find out you were coming to south Auckland as love to meet you one day.
Chalk and cheese once the night time arrives.
I love the nightlife🎉
He made it out in one piece 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You could say it’s New Zealand’s most infamous town. But definitely not even top 10 worst. We have towns they can’t even pay people to move to
When I was younger, our family used to always head over to the Otara Shopping Centre on late opening night (Friday, until 9.00pm). This was in the late 1960's and early 1970's, when the centre was quite new, fairly unique, and most shoppers and shop owners were European. Today, it's a very different place, but not in a bad way. Once the Mangere Town Centre opened in the early 1970's, we cut ties with the Otara mall, as it was further away than Mangere - we lived in Mangere East at the time.
Most dangerous town in NZ i disagree. I would have to put Flaxmere in Hastings and wairoa to be very dangerous.
Yeah, I grew up in Wairoa and can confirm. My family are REAL gang-y. Police couldn't do anything to them. Worst childhood ever. But, it was also the 90's/00's, so, I dunno what it's like now. Probs still bad.
1 hundo percent
Flax ain't that bad, I'd say that Camberly is worse that Flax.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT A TOWN IS LIKE TILL YOU SEE IT AT NIGHT.
chris- Kaitaia- nasty gangs with boots running loose at night atatckking ignorant visitors and Back- packers who hitch in at night time not knowing local gangs out hunting for them.'''
I would feel safer in Otara than I would in down town Auckland
same
I guess nothing has change since the last time I was there back In 1983, the people In Mangere and Otara were all laid back ,never ever any dramas,. It's good to see an up date on Otara....thanks for ur upload Curles👍
The 80's were the once were warrior days though 😄
The Wanderers too lool@@hearteyhonkii
Am from Central Auckland but most of my family live in South Auckland I go there a lot the reputation it has received has been grossly unfair the people there are some of the nicest people you'll meet and the vibe and atmosphere is great! A lot of the reputation is sadly down to a bit of classism and racism.
That's like Dhaka. It's considered one of the most 'dangerous" cities in the world, but it's the opposite. World leaders just wants you to avoid cheap, fantastic places so they can earn money.
Always love the videos, Antonov Khrushchev!
I'm a security guard doing mobile patrols who works alone during the night. I use to work in Otara and not once did I ever feel unsafe despite all the negative publicly it gets. Otara town center is actually quite vibrant with a good variety of shopping and eateries. Yes it's a low socio suburb but I don't find it dangerous. When I visited New York we took a drive through the Bronx and Harlem and I also didn't find it as bad as what Hollywood portrays it to be. The most impoverished areas I've seen in NZ is in the far north.
The security industry in new zealand is cooked - here in townsville australia we work in pairs - groups even. plus we get a basic $32p/h wage weekdays ($37 berween 6pm-6am) $48p/h saturdays and $55p/h sundays and public holidays plus 10% super on all days we work. screw the $22.50 in new zealand where night/weekend rates are ridiculed.
@@chrisheffernan3998 I'm on $30p/h flat rate including weekends and working night shift. The only time I get more are public holidays which is time and a half and day in lue.
@@wellingtonian2009 $30p/h for security in new zealand? You must be in-house or a contractor as all the major outsourcing security firms in NZ pay minimum wage or 15c above, come to over to aussie for the $$$$ plus they cannot hold it against you if you dont want to work a public holiday over here
@@chrisheffernan3998 the big companies such as Armourgard, First Security, Matrix pay little more than the minimum wage. I work for a small company in Auckland doing mobile patrols and I'm not a contractor or supervisor. We also only work a 10 hour shift instead of 12 hours like most other companies. I previously worked for one of the big security companies and worked crazy long hours for roughly the same or slightly more than I'm earning now.
In the past I've also been a contractor for one of the big companies but would never go back to contracting again. On paper it looks like good money but by the time you minus your running costs, taxes, ACC levy, your own vehicle and pay part time staff you're not much better off than if you were on wages and it's too much of a commitment. On top of that you don't get annual leave or sick pay.
@@wellingtonian2009 armourguard and first security are crap - crazy long hours for minimum wage or 15c above it, even mobile patrols and supervisors get only 50c more than guards. I used to work at simply security , started out on $1 above minimum and finished up a senior guard 7 years later with training responsibilities on minimum and being screwed around with a/l and lieu entitlements. Plus management had a habit of approving/declining annual leave literally at the last minute and expecting you to come into work sick. Way to treat one of your longest serving employees Simply Security
Otara was a dangerous place back in the early 2000s most places in south auckland was its calmed down alot since then otara has its days like everywhere else around the country. OTARA IS HOME 💯
Give me a yell when you get to Manurewa.... cones 😉
Arghh can I pls tick bro till tmrw nite my bene go in about 7ish lol
The only scary things about Otara is the police, Doctors and Dentists
Really? Not the meth dealing, and gang shootings?
@@hearteyhonkii try living there and you'll figure it out
Maybe twenty years ago south side was considered the dark lands that Simba was warned about but it's cleaned up it's image
Otara is an amazing place, and seriously, the reputation it has is not even anywhere close to its true value
Come to South of Chicago, you will see what a 9th dangerous place in US looks like
I been to most places around the world top 2 most dangerous places for me would have to be
Lima, Peru and Mexico City South.
I grew up in Sth Auckland and when I toured Argentina, it was a lot more unsafe in the hoods over there. Even though our gangsters were twice as big as theirs, they were a lot colder and desperate. The same for South Chicago. Over here we have the biggest toughest physical thugs, but they are not as heartless and uncaring as the thugs in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. We're a small population and even most of the gangsters would rather just try to exist together.
I think all those food places in one small shopping centre tells you everything about island culture.
Love it Curls! My hometown!
It is fun watching you walk around my old neighbourhoods - born and bred South Auckland and you were walking past the polytech
I live in Miami Florida and this place looks so much like home. Specifically downtown Miami/Little Havana. Love it!
I would never have considered anywhere in South Auckland to be the most dangerous town in New Zealand. The Pacifica community us always very friendly.
Dangerous, or less safe towns, would probably include Kawerau, Murupara, Ruatoria, Kaikohe, Mierewa, Mataura, probably Huntly goes on the list now too.
Ah, New Zealand.
I loved watching your vlog, the level of respect to our language is so appreciated. Thank you for the great content.
The food is in areas like Otara, and Mangere is awesome. I am in Papakura and the food choices out here sucks, I drive to Otara to buy kai. Back in the day I loved Otara Market, we would go very early 6.30am , get in and get out parking was crazy.
Wow, you found the Otara market. My favorite place. Did you try the famous fry bread, with butter and golden syrup. Super huge and yummy.
Best market and most genuine people ever. Be love and get love.
I used to be a Barman in Otahuhu . I also lived in Otahuhu for 6 years. I used to walk everyday to my workplace My workplace was situated at the Otahuhu town. You do get lots of homeless (druggies) in Otahuhu town roaming in the street being a menace to the society. This is the bitter truth the bad side of Otahuhu. You get only few nice locals
Like anywhere late night,eyes open.
The lamb bun was a damn good choice. Pork buns go so hard as well.
A day tour, and a night tour are two different things. All the trouble goes down during the night time
Seeing this video reminds me of old Ponsonby and K’Rd circa 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, early noughties.
Wellington is fine.. i used to stay in P town go running from my grandads to the top of Ascot park..n back. I was pretty safe😂🎉
1:33 Those signature moves are getting are harder to spot with the quick cut aways......but they're there 🤣
When houses in South Auckland now start at $1million, its a very far way from where it was in the 90s. Now all of Auckland is "rough" with the level of crime.
"OTARA 274" - Chur bro awesome video man keep up the good work brother.
MANGERE EAST 275 - for the win! Later in life, PAPATOETOE 278!
You have roast takeaways in the UK - when I was staying there I used to go to one off Fleet Street for lunch (roast beef and yorkie puds) and sometimes breakfast (bacon and egg baps).
This is not the worst place in new Zealand. I've lived in NZ all my hole life.
Back in the day my friend got mugged in Otara, she lived there her whole life , just by Hilary College. We were only in high school then maybe around 1994 and we're small girls, got mugged by 5 guys for her chicago bulls starter jacket, I'll never forgot that.. pretty sad. Tbh it looks the same as it did back then.
correct me if im mistaken. when i was a kid in the 90s Otara markets looked way bigger than now.
South Auckland would be safer than a lot of other places in the world - especially Anywhere in the US lol - that's for sure,
Not anywhere, but would be a lot safer than a lot of places there for sure. Mainly due to not being able to buy guns so easily. Christchurch was one of the most violent cities in the world per capita awhile back. The hoods of USA aren’t as bad as they say also. There’s good people everywhere
@@antoniedixon775 American cities are way worse than Chch lol your comment is very wrong chch is a great city.
I lived in Otara in the late 60s as a kid and he walked past what use to be a toy shop in the town centre. The market there is very popular not been back there in years use to live in Lappington Rd.
Had a stall there in the 80's great market, brings back memories
Otara markets are world famous in NZ.
Used to go to other marlet ever Saturday for years in the 80s & 90s. Good to see them.still going strong. Mangere has a market too
Back in the 70s 80s 90s the streets were pretty rough, that generation have grown up and moved on.
Now you have the KBs.
In the 1980's a machete massacre took place in otara making it a cut above other towns in south dorkland
I’m an Aucklander. There is nothing dangerous here. Walking around Otara is fine
Don't worry about some of the folks here giving you a hard time, South Auckland isn't the safest place to be, especially at night. It's safer than it used to be, but still not as safe as other parts of Auckland. I lived in Mangere East and Papatoetoe North (right on ME's border) for forty years, from 1962 to 2002, so I know what the area is about.
Love the end though 👏🏽 and your pronunciation of Māori names 👏🏽
Very nice yummy great foods here down in Otara market atmosphere is awesome people enjoying blessed day 😁👍♥️ thanks 👍 GDB FAMILY 🙏
Hi Otara is not the only wonderful place in STH Auckland, I worked in the old Grand Chancellor Hotel in Mangere for a year and i would pop out to the fantastic little Cafe next door for a coffee and food and up the road was the most wonderful laundrette. Cheers.
Man he really loves those lamb buns...
I lived in Manurewa for a month. Apparently dangerous neighborhood. I was safe and sound.
Can you do Waiuku? Its an amazing town and i think you'd love it. I vote going during the firework show.
We used to call it Dry uku. But I know it's changed a lot in the last 20 years. It used to be straight tractor, chainsaw, and lawnmower shops.
@@JaemanEdwards oh really? I loved growing up out those ways.
I suppose it is a little dull at times but luckily for me I was a very boring and studious student so it worked out.
When I graduated with honour's the local dairy owner was the first one to congratulate me, so I suppose it is a bit dull as news like that spread so fast haha.
I now live in a house in central Auckland as it's close to my work, but I still love Waiuku and think of it fondly.
@@valness3017 Yeah me too. I grew up in Manurewa and played Counties age group reps, and we used to practice in Waiuku sometimes. And I played club and school rugby there many times. I had a good friend in the team that lived nearby in Glenbrook. In later years I had an uncle and aunty move out there, a mate move there and start a lawn mowing business, and a workmate go halves with his daughter and son in law on a brand new lifestyle block out there . We sit on his deck drinking beer and barbecueing big thick steaks while looking at a whole field of cows right in front of us. Those activists would be so mad at our insensitivity. You seem like you've done well for yourself if you can afford to live in central Auckland. Well done. I'm sure the humble town of Waiuku are very proud of you.
Is there lots of coconut trees there
Otara has an amazing community 😊
if u like markets, u should come in to britomart market in the city. its got great coffee, and its right above the train station
The worst town in New Zealand is like the most peaceful area in the UK
Born and bread South East Aucklander of 42 years.
South Auckland is alive during daylight hours. Loads of smiling people, the food is a focal point and the community feel is amazing. Come dusk, mix in alcohol, drugs and gangs, the place gets crazy. Manukau city has the biggest police station for a reason. I guess the mix of those negative things brings out the worst in any city anywhere. Unfortunately heavily populated with low socio economic representation makes for a dog eat dog world. Roller doors on shop fronts at end of trade with ram raid proof bollards shows what may be possible once the vibrant good sorts shut up shop and head home to be safe. Like any place in the world the vibe is different once the sun goes down. Sadly the way things are forces people to choose crime to make it through the day ahead, put food on the table and keep their family above water and in education. On top of this all Auckland is an expensive place to live. You'd see a whole new world after 10pm at the train stations, bus depots, and town squares and I'm glad you didn't go there. On a brighter note, you got to experience one of the best markets in Auckland. People travel far to buy their goods from there. The Mana of Community holds the place together so you take the good with the bad. Kia Kaha South Auckland.
Yeah Porirua and South Auckland are ok to visit for the day but ya definitely don't want to live there or stay on the streets after dark
When I first moved to NZ (American) I was in South Auckland, walking toward a shop when a rather beat-up car with four Maori teenagers in it playing their stereo quite loudly pulled up, and the driver got out. He glared at me and snarled, "What CHOO lookin' at?" Me, being a pakeha woman of a Certain Age but not your typical nana, just smiled and said, "You. Cuz you're just so damned CUTE!" His jaw dropped, his three mates in the car burst out laughing. Then he smiled and said, "Let me get the door for you, Auntie, " and opened the shop door for me like a true gentleman. It's all in how you view the world...
😂😂loved this!
I can’t believe you didn’t get the island donuts . You must go back to try them
Otara have been looking after each other for decades.
7:41 What you're looking at is the body of the ika/fish. Where you're standing in the video is the tail and further up by the Dr./Pharmacy is the head.
The refugee market, where you can buy bottles of nails for your IED.
i grew up in south auckland and everyone is sweet as, dont believe the hype that south auckland is a bad place
Im a lifetime resident of Queens NYC. MOST "bad neighborhoods" in Any city gets that reputation because there are poor people and Immigrants living there. The "secret" is that is where locals get the best deals and meals.
I can walk through here at 2am going home from a party.
I love South Auckland and never felt unsafe
Should have been at the Otara Chopping Center a couple of decades ago - it was the real Orcland 🤠