Each month we celebrate a different champion – someone who works with their local community and supports and promotes Neighbourhood Support.
September's champion is Dale McClunie, a Street Contact with Neighbourhood Support in Te Awamutu. 🎉🙌
We asked her a few questions about her involvement with Neighbourhood Support:
How long have you been involved with / been a champion of Neighbourhood Support?
Since 2011 I have been co-ordinator of our road. I work with a parallel road, so we work on a committee together. We are rural and enjoy the added security Neighbourhood Support offers.
How do you engage with and promote Neighbourhood Support Locally?
We have all of our residents listed, with phone numbers and addresses so we can contact each other if necessary. For example, the other week a bull was on the road. It was easy to ring the farmer, and he promptly put the bull back into the paddock. Each resident is given a copy of our list. Residents can opt out if they don't want their details going to others.
What motivates you to work alongside our organisation?
Mainly for the safety this offers, and Commsafe is wonderful at regularly updating us with any issues in the surrounding areas and making us more aware of suspicious activity. This connectivity with neighbours will also be a protection and support in any civil emergency.
What aspects of community networking have you seen Neighbourhood Support work really well?
We have a pot-luck dinner each year to connect with neighbours. We have a camera (shared with our parallel road) that captures any activity. It has already been a help to the police in a couple of situations. This is only accessed for any possible criminal activity, and is optional for folk to contribute to.
What would you tell your colleagues about Neighbourhood Support?
It works well to help hinder crime in our area. We feel the added support and security of knowing we can contact neighbours if needed; for help or warnings.
-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
Comments