From Richard Perkins, co-ordinator of Neighbourhood Support Rotorua

Message from the co-ordinator

This is the 25th year that Neighbourhood Support Rotorua was incorporated and the diversity of coverage can be seen by the new inclusive Neighbourhood Support logo.

This year has been one of the most complex years we have had to face, yet one of the most successful years where it was proven how well Neighbourhood Support functions in unprecedented times. The pandemic was of course an event of extraordinary proportions. We have had a phenomenal response and many cheerful reports from a multitude of people.

Neighbours in need received many offers of assistance from the neighbours in their streets during lockdown. This is precisely what we endeavour to get; neighbours who support each other and the pandemic in an unexpected way proved how well the concept of Neighbourhood Support works.

Now would be a great time for more homes, schools and business to come on board. The school support program is ready to launch where neighbours support our schools with security vigilance during the evenings, weekends and holidays.

During the lockdown period, our office was relocated to the home environment from where we continued our day to day activities. This certainly had some positive aspects with the warmth of home cooking and coffee nearby. Having said that, we were away from our usual post at the police station and we coped remarkably well with the improvised situation. Bruce had the laptop and continued with his well-known efficiency with the administration tasks, while I largely dealt with our neighbourhood groups, the odd awkward situation, media and the police.

Cylinder Test Centre Rotorua

Unit 2, 23-25 Scott street Rotorua, New Zealand

CYLINDER TESTING, HIGH PRESSURE AIR REFILLS & REGULATOR SERVICING

Cylinder Test Centre Rotorua Ph: 07 345 3047 M: ctcrotorua@gmail.com

The coverage of our area is the same as that of the Rotorua Police area, and this year we were able to expand our rural areas which include Upper Atiamuri, Waikiti Valley and Mamaku. A good deal of success in the Maori community was achieved with the Te Koutu Marae and the Tarimano Marae Complex in Gloucester Road coming on board with positive feedback from them. We are just shy of 10,000 residential homes being part of Neighbourhood Support, and it is our intention to continue expanding groups to more marae, homes and schools this year.

The response from these areas and other groups has displayed how well the concept of Neighbourhood Support functions and proven with the recent Covid lockdown.

Each group operates as that group determines. All will follow the basic aims of:

• Taking responsibility of their own safety • Preparing for a civil defence emergency • Encouraging neighbours to get to know one another • Helping to minimise crime in the area by reporting suspicious behaviour • Sharing information to reduce the likelihood of crime • Supporting each other when needed

how to contact the police and other authorities. One thing that members of a Group should not be, are nosy parkers, wanting to know all the gossip in the area. Information is shared as and when necessary - members respect others right to privacy.

Each group undertakes activities that they wish to do-some have regular meetings, street barbeques or parties, community projects, but not all.

The office provides the group with information regards crime in the immediate vicinity, warnings in regards to potential crime, information on crime prevention and preparing for emergency. Every quarter a newsletter is distributed to the households in the group coverage area by the gtreet/group

contact person.

Richard Perkins Co-ordinator Neighbourhood Support Rotorua

Keep Safe in the Outdoors.

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon or Mountain Radio from $5.00 per day.

Ted and Margaret Bretherton

 07 3459687 / 021 2615155  cnimrs2@gmail.com

A trusted business providing expert civil engineering services to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty for over 40 years.

• Bulk & Detailed Earthworks • Roading & Driveways • Water Sewer and Stormwater • Retaining Walls • House Sites • Subdivisions • Concrete Works • Excavator Bobcat & Truck Hire and much more Phone: 07 345 9826

Email: enquiries@hickeycontractors.co.nz www.hickeycontractors.co.nz

Offer a full range of accounting, auditing, taxation and business advisory services.

Phone: 07 350 1018 Fax: 07 350 1024

info@macaccounts.co.nz www.macaccounts.co.nz

Westbrook AUTOMART

‡ Exhaust Install & Repair ‡ WOF ‡ All welding & Repair ‡ Full car service ‡ Diagnostic Tests ‡ Panel Beating & Painting ‡ Second-hand Tyre ‡ Auto Electrical ‡ Pre-purchase checks

Hafiz Dean Director 021 026 02746

P: 07 346 2900 E: westbrook.automart@gmail.com 330 Malfroy Road, Pomare