http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=30&objectid=10487281&ref=rss

Another poor backpacker seems to have fallen into the trap of believing that New Zealand is a crime-free country where she can drop her guard.

A 26 year old lass has now been brutally attacked, raped and killed in Taupo. Another backpacker and by the sound of it and, seemingly, another either gang- or a "P" fuelled attack.

In 2005 Birgit Brauer, a German backpacker was picked up I believe hitch-hiking, beaten, stabbed and murdered in the New Plymouth area by a Methamphetamine addict with 65 previous convictions which included abduction and rape ten years' earlier.

Since I have lived in NZ we have seen tourists attacked in their campervans, killed on roads by (to use the vernacular) young "hoons" in cars, tourists robbed and verbally abused in public places

I think I have blogged before about the state of the drinking culture over here appears to be 'get it down your neck before it runs out' and "P" has become a reluctantly accepted part of the country's culture. This, together with the burgeoning gang culture and the fact that kids can learn to drive at 15, means that there are 4-wheeled time bombs on our roads from about midday every day.

I have always been a confident driver and have historically enjoyed walking about the grottier areas of towns and cities to satisfy the amateur anthropologist in me. Here though, I might say, I am not confident about either pastime. New Zealand is the only place in the World that I have felt threatened walking through a shopping centre (in Northland) in broad daylight with my children.

Yes, New Zealand is beautiful, yes it a 'must' for all kids on their travels but please, please if you know of anyone (especially a female) visiting New Zealand warn them that the crime-free image is a thing of the past. Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. Don't hitch lifts. Don't park your campervan unless it is in a recognised site or a built-up area. Don't leave your belongings in vehicles. Just behave as you would in London, Manchester Liverpool etc., Keep yourselves safe.

It is a poor country with its problems and bearing in mind the size of the population, it is every bit as troubled by crime as any other country.