Constant patrolling is keeping Te Kauwhata safer, and from the turnout at the Community Patrol’s AGM recently, it seems more people are stepping up to be involved.
The patrol is made up of volunteers, giving up a few hours a month to drive around Te Kauwhata and local areas including Waerenga, Rangiriri and Meremere, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. They are in constant contact with Police and information passed on by the patrol has helped resolve numerous issues.
The AGM also saw the retirement of two of the village’s most constant volunteers, Colin and Chris Willats, who held positions of treasurer and volunteer vetting officer, respectively In thanking them for their commitment, Community Patrol team leader, Derek Peel, said having two strong (and willing) volunteers had made a significant difference to the running of the organisation and had contributed to its growth.
Colin, who had served as treasurer for the past eight years, said during that time the patrol had undergone a complete resurrection; from very few patrollers, a small car and infrequent patrols. “We had very little in the bank and it didn’t look hopeful,” he said.
Derek said that thanks to a number of people who put time and effort into regrowing the patrol, things were looking very positive and the bank balance at last in the black. They planned to replace their vehicle and will be actively fundraising in the next few months.
“We have spent 1,300 hours on patrol in the past year, which has been made possible with more numbers. We’re pretty proud that we can report our patrolling hours are up 65% over last year. That makes a big difference to our community. We’re now up to 32 active members which is very heartening for a small village.
“However, with more volunteers, of course we can do more. It’s not arduous, we ask people to try to commit to four hours a month, either in one four-hour shift or two x two-hour shifts. Our roster is flexible, allowing people to patrol weekends, or daytime instead of nights.”
Patrollers train to recognise things that ‘just don’t fit’ and pass information on for police to investigate. These might include strange comings and goings at addresses, locating stolen vehicles, damaged or abandoned vehicles and loose stock. They also report damage or fly tipping to the council.
“We know how important it is to keep our people as well as the community safe,” says Derek. “We always work in pairs and police know where we are. Our job is to notice, observe and report to police. We don’t get out and confront people, but we patrol areas of greatest risk or vulnerability.”
The Te Kauwhata Community Patrol is part of Community Patrols of NZ, a150 -strong affiliated nationwide group. But funding comes via the generosity of local grants, sponsorships and donations. Te Kauwhata also covers costs with the help of the local Lions Club and TK Water Assoc.
The current patrol has its origins in the long defunct Night Hawks, becoming a recognised Community Patrol in 2011 under the guidance of a large number of community-minded folk including Barry Weaver, and subsequently Hazel Boldero, Derek Richmond, Russ Maged and Martin and Lynne Glover.
Interested in joining?
It isn’t as time consuming as fire or ambulance volunteering but plays a vital part of making local communities safer.
You can register your interest via Te Kauwhata Community Patrol on Facebook or the CPNZ.org.nz site – click on ‘become a patroller’. From there, a brief visit is arranged by the local committee outlining the process and answering questions.
They also can help with the paperwork required by the Police for vetting (needed because patrollers come into contact with police information).
“Then when the vetting’s done, we take you out for a ride-along so you can see firsthand what we do and feel comfortable that its right for you. There are three training trips and 10 easy online modules to complete. Once that’s done, you link up with a patrol partner and start patrolling,” says Derek.
Patrollers use the community patrol car and are supplied with high viz jackets and shirts as well as the tools of the trade such as torches.
As Derek says, the community patrol can be anywhere, anytime, helping to keep communities safe. It’s also involved with community events such as the A&P Show and Christmas Parade as well as forming part of the local emergency response team.
If this sounds like you, Derek would love to hear from you.
By Claire Simpson
