From Murray’s Desk

Welcome to this edition of Eye on Communities magazine, which no thanks to Covid, is the only one for this year.

This is my first edition since taking over the role of manager of Canterbury Neighbourhood Support (CNS) at the start of this year. It has been quite a year with the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic across the globe. The effects of the virus along with the control measures imposed certainly influenced how events progressed this year. I look back and note that my predecessor, Dave Wilkinson, took over the reins at Canterbury Neighbourhood Support only months before the September earthquakes in 2010. Within months of me starting, the country was in lockdown… food for thought. Looking back even further, the first edition of this magazine was published in April 1994 as “Eye on Crime”. At that time Neighbourhood Support came under the umbrella of the Police and Sergeant Pat Creasey was the Crime Prevention Officer in Christchurch, responsible for running CNS. Only the front cover of the magazine was in colour, only a couple of the advertisements had cell phone contact numbers, and none had an email address. There are many people to thank who have contributed articles to this magazine. This includes Nadine Hall, editor of “New Zealand Lifestyle Block” magazine, and her publishers for permission to use an article written by Sheryn Dean (“The Good Life – How to be a good country neighbour”). While this article is aimed at people living rurally, the idea of being a good neighbour applies everywhere. Other contributors include Superintendent John Price, the District Commander of Canterbury Police with his message of Police and Community working together to make a better and safer place to live and work in. Superintendent Price was very recently invested as an Officer of the Most Venerable Order of St John (OStJ) in recognition of his commitment to relationship-building between St John and Police. Senior Sergeant Vaughn Lapslie of Highway Patrol has a very simple message for us on “Patience” – and it does not just apply to the highways. Darlene Heard has written about her early memories of Neighbourhood

Support (involving her grandparents), and how she and her family are keeping those values going as home-owners with their own group. Ann Smith of Community Patrols (another group that works very closely with Police) tells us of a recent training day and the development of IT within the organisation. Community Patrols in Christchurch are actively recruiting for new members to act as the “eyes and ears” of the Police. If you are interested in finding out m ore, email canterbury@cpnz.org.nz for information. Deb Smalley is back with an article on Covid hotels (managed isolation and quarantine facilities). I also wish to acknowledge the dedicated work that Mike Mora has put into CNS. He recently stood down after many years as the chair of our board and continues to share his expertise as a member of our executive committee. Mike will also be known to many for his role as chair of the Halswell-HornbyRiccarton Community Board. We welcome the new chair of CNS, Dave Crean - another long-standing member of the board. I owe a vote of thanks to Dave Wilkinson for providing continued guidance as I came into this role, and for still being available to answer any queries. Dave also helped over the lockdown period with contacting members. Thanks also to Elissa and Barbara for each doing their part and more, to keep the organisation, not only running, but improving over this particularly unsettled year. Finally, our fundraisers, supporters, sponsors, along with advertisers in this magazine. You make it possible for us to invest resources and services into our communities to make them a safer more caring place to live in, all at no cost to the communities. Thank you! Take care, stay safe, and keep a look out for your neighbours.

Regards Murray

Asbestos in your home? Don’t panic! Get the facts and manage the situation safely

Asbestos containing materials were commonly used in the construction of homes prior to the year 2000. Given that asbestos can be found in over 3000 different products, it’s possible to find it almost anywhere! Left undisturbed, most asbestos containing materials do not pose a risk to health. However, when damaged or degraded, or when disturbed through refurbishment of demolition work, they can become a hazard and need to be managed safely. As a hazardous waste, asbestos containing materials need to be disposed of at an approved facility. Do not dispose of as general refuse at your local refuse centre or in your red bin! Your local council will have information on the correct disposal methods. You may also want to get professional advice, as some things are best left to the experts!

The following links contain some useful information about asbestos: Asbestos advice for householders, Ministry of Health www.health.govt.nz/news-media/news-items/asbestos-advice-householders Asbestos information for homeowners, WorkSafe www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/asbestos/information-for-homeowners General information on asbestos, Asbestos Aware New Zealand www.asbestosawarenz.com

If you require expert help, get in touch with the friendly team at MBC Environmental Solutions. They are licensed by WorkSafe to conduct both Class A (friable) and Class B (non-friable) asbestos removal. They can also help with asbestos testing and can offer expert advice on how to manage any asbestos issues you may have. www.mbc.co.nz