I Explored The Most Dangerous Town In New Zealand

I had a blast.
Follow me on Instagram - @itscurlsbaby

[Carolevw]

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.

[jobo]

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.

[vickiglanville]

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

[bigrobbo]

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

[TheArmstrongWhanau]

otara is the safest town in new zealand we would be the first people to reach out and help anyone in need

[justjane]

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.

[duncannelson]

Compared to broken Britain, NZ is an absolute paradise .. I stayed in Manngere I had no problem

[davidbeazley]

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.

[NZstylz-rv]

Those shops haven't changed since the early 80s love it.

[AFAKASI]

I'm a proud South Aucklander, love your cheerful and positive attitude ♥️

[gregpopplewell]

This is what you might say a tourist would see, purely a facade. The gang culture is extremely prevalent in South Auckland.

[jbeijer]

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.

[philipg]

your excitement is infectious.. love it

[Lee-tjkm]

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

[randymarsh]

Ive only meet a handful of people that pronounce Maori towns correctly you are the first foreigner good on you bro chur

[vailimaaston]

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

[robbyravenwoodcabaretmusic]

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.

[Andrew_kiwi_AF]

I work in otara, no issues ever lol it used to be bad but has cleaned up massively over past 10 years

[WalterGreen-qf]

I would feel safer in Otara than I would in down town Auckland

[-bitMicro]

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.