June Community Champion celebrated!
Updated: 6 days ago
Each month we celebrate a different champion – someone who works with their local community and supports and promotes Neighbourhood Support.
June's champion is Steven Smith, a Senior Sergeant with the New Zealand Police in Counties Manukau West. 🎉 🙌
We asked him a few questions about his involvement with Neighbourhood Support:
How long have you been involved with / been a champion of Neighbourhood Support?
I have been involved with Neighbourhood Support since 2011.
How do you engage with and promote Neighbourhood Support Locally?
As the Community Services Manager for Counties Manukau West I am a strong advocate of Neighbourhood Support. I am the District Lead here in Counties Manukau where I strive to better coordinate the relationship between police and neighbourhood support.
What motivates you to work alongside our organisation?
I have always believed in the simple philosophy of “community looking after community” and “genuinely knowing your neighbours”. As a serving police officer of 22 years I know all too well that the police can’t always be there. Working in partnership with community and enabling community to be self-sufficient and empowered to look out for each will support our goals of a safer New Zealand for everyone.
What aspects of community networking have you seen Neighbourhood Support work really well?
During the floods here in Tamaki Makaurau, Neighbourhood Support certainly came to the fore. They knew who our vulnerable people were and were able to provide the necessary support for them in a time of crisis. This was crucial in a time of fear and uncertainty.
What would you tell your colleagues about Neighbourhood Support?
Neighbourhood Support is all about knowing your community and understanding the part YOU ALL play in supporting YOUR community.
ENDS
About Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
Neighbourhood Support is a nationwide community led movement that brings people and neighbourhoods together to create safe, resilient, and connected communities. Over 220,000 households are part of our growing network. Neighbourhood Support work alongside NZ Police and other partners to equip neighbourhoods to improve safety, be prepared for emergencies and support one another so that our communities are great places to live.
Address (appointment only)
C/O Police National Headquarters
180 Molesworth Street
Thorndon, Wellington, 6011
New Zealand
Email - info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz
Phone - 0800 4 NEIGHBOURS (0800 463 444)
Twitter - https://twitter.com/nsnewzealand