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About Neighbourhood Support

History

Neighbourhood Watch was introduced to New Zealand as a crime prevention initiative in the late 1970s. The initiative evolved to become Neighbourhood Support New Zealand, a community owned and managed organisation with a wide-ranging interest in community support, safety and crime prevention.

Neighbourhood Support became an Incorporated Society in 2000. In 2001 it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Zealand Police. The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to establish and promote a collaborative working relationship between Neighbourhood Support New Zealand Incorporated and the Police.

Objectives

Neighbourhood Support aims to make homes, streets, neighbourhoods and communities safer and more caring places in which to live.

This is primarily achieved through the establishment of small cells of households known as a “Neighbourhood Support Group”, comprising anywhere from four to 50 residential households in a single street or suburb. Groups throughout a single suburb or a wider town or city area are co-ordinated either via a civilian co-ordinator, or through a Community Constable based at a local police station.

The main purpose of the groups is to encourage neighbours to know one another and share information on crime or suspicious activities in their area. Early contact with authorities such as the police is also encouraged for reporting of unusual observations or unacceptable behaviour. Crime prevention information can also be shared with group members via Community Constables, or Neighbourhood Support Area co-ordinators.

A secondary objective of Neighbourhood Support is to facilitate communication between Civil Defence (Emergency Management) and the community during a man-made or natural disaster affecting residents.

Message from the Editorial Team

Sadly, the world in which we live is not as law abiding as it was a generation or two ago, which makes the work of all sorts of government and voluntary organisations vital.

Neighbourhood Support is a lively, worthwhile and necessary organisation which provides avenues for neighbours and communities to socialise, and look out for each other.

Our sincere thanks to the contributors of all the articles contained here. A lot of hours have gone into making this book as relevant, useful and convenient to use as possible.

This book is a vehicle for the latest news and messages in an easy to use format.

The community-minded advertisers represented in this book have provided the finance for its manufacture and distribution, as well as funding for Neighbourhood Support. Please support

Publishers details:

Published biannually by The Job Agency Limited T/A Markat

PO Box 1879

Christchurch 8140

For all advertising and articles enquirers:

Phil Cowen: Phone: 021 660 355

Email: phil@markat.co.nz

Publication issue reference: E21C2

The Sustainable Living Programme is a practical, fun way to learn and use actions which reduce your environmental impacts.

It offers you future living skills for a healthier lifestyle and a new approach to making consumer choices.

Waimakariri District’s residents can download the learning guides to find eco-building design or house renovation suggestions, see how to make their homes healthier, drier and warmer, and reduce their power bills (among other sustainable actions).

To register on-line go to http://www.sustainableliving.org.nz/SLP/Councils click on the link for “Waimakariri” and then on “sign up for access to the Sustainable Living study guide”.

A message from the Chair

Kia ora koutou / Hello.

My name is Debra Hasson and I’m the new chairperson of Canterbury Neighbourhood Support.

I live in Selwyn and have spent many years on the board of Canterbury Neighbourhood Support as the deputy chair.

I am also a committee member of Selwyn Community Patrols. Both Neighbourhood Support and Community Patrols enable our communities to assist our police in connecting us all to a safer community.

Please enjoy reading the articles in this edition of Eye On Communities and share it with your neighbours and friends.

On behalf of the team at Canterbury Neighbourhood Support, stay safe.

Kia atawhai / Be kind.

Debra Hasson Canterbury Neighbourhood Support Deputy Chair

www.mbces.nz

From Murray’s Desk

With summer on its way I read of Canterbury farmers preparing for another drought. A bit like the uncertainty around Covid, we know it is there, but we’re not sure how much it will affect us.

I note that some members are happy to access this publication electronically and do not require it posted to them. We are happy to accommodate that, but ask that before we cancel the hard copy, you check that your neighbours in your group are happy with that and can access it online themselves.

Some may prefer to read a hard copy and passing the magazine around is an opportunity to visit or make contact with each other. Please contact our office if you wish to change how you receive this book.

Thank you to all that have contributed articles to this edition, including: from the Police, Inspector Natasha Rodley, the Canterbury Road Policing manager, and Senior Sergeant Vaughn Lapslie, the officer in charge of Highway Patrol and the Serious Crash Unit - both have some pertinent warnings for road users. We have included photographs showing driving transgressions, and shortcomings with rear view visibility. From Senior Sergeant Roy Appley, the Community Services manager, the message is simple: by working together we can make our communities safer.

Senior Constable Brad Hagerty, a school community officer, writes of his role working with children in schools. Currently Brad is on secondment, working in a Managed Isolation Facility.

Deb Smalley is back, this time it is the dog that causes her angst! A reprieve for “the bloke”, maybe?

Articles from Keep Christchurch Beautiful, Chorus, Oak Development Trust, Community Patrols, Volunteering Canterbury and Victim Support outline the roles they play in making our community a better place to live and work in.

To all of you who support our organisation, whether through volunteering, funding, sponsoring, or advertising in this book, thank you very much!

A special thank you to my work colleagues Elissa and Barbara who again shone through as we faced more challenges from outside the organisation.

Sadly, it is time to farewell Barbara. She has retired after four years with Canterbury Neighbourhood Support.

Barbara has meticulously managed the administrative side of the organisation. Her level of integrity is something that many strive to achieve. We wish her all the best for the future and a long and happy retirement.

Have a safe and happy festive season, and best wishes for the New Year. Murray

Junior Neighbourhood Support

It is delightful to move into the summer months. Children are bouncing out into school life after our latest lockdown. Schools brighten up with flowering trees and happy birds are chirping.

I am visiting up to seven schools a week, an enjoyable but busy time, carefully observing covid level restrictions and being prepared to change to working online at any time.

During the lockdown period, students were doing their school learning online, so I decided to send them a daily challenge that would get them off the computer and engage with their families. The first challenge was to calculate how much water their family would need for a three-day emergency.

A bit of thinking to remember all the times we use water in a day (including pets) and then a bit of easy maths. One student from a busy

1: Belinda from CCC graffiti team presenting to Linwood College students.

Gardening at Ngutuawa School.

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household came up with a total of 74 litres of water needed for three days - raising awareness of how important a stored water source is.

Further challenges focused on fire evacuation - a challenge to call out ‘fire’ suddenly and get all members of your household out to the mailbox in less than two minutes. There were tasks to clean up their street and gutter of rubbish, design maths games from bottle lids, write their name in a graffiti style, and learn how to report graffiti to the Christchurch City Council.

As the year comes to an end, I reflect on the wonderful students that I have had as leaders or met throughout the schools.

As they move on to further schooling, I will miss them all, but also feel very proud of what they have and will achieve as very connected citizens.

3: Working on pool safety posters - Shirley Intermediate. 4: Recycling chip packets to make a thermal blanket - Beckenham School.

5: Learning the Police reporting numbers - Knights Stream School. 5

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I also will take the opportunity to thank those who support me, the schools and teachers foremost and those that have been generous to help things keep ticking along.

A particular shout out to Mike at Belfast Panel and Paint who got the Jimny windscreen good for the next warrant, Graeme from NZ Safety Blackwoods for high-vis vests and Resene Paints Hornby for a deal on test pots for a school mural.

Both the CNS vehicles are serviced by Midas Northwood and warrants from AA Auto Centre Hornby, free to us with excellent service.

Regards

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JNS Co-ordinator

6: Planting Strawberries - St Teresa’s School. 7: Fire safety posters- Waltham School. 8: Making a rat trap - Belfast School. 9: Taylar, a student from Addington Te Kura Taumatua receives an award for his safety awareness and care of the environment.

A message from Senior Sergeant

Being safe and feeling safe starts with you.

Police and our partners like Neighbourhood Support and Community Patrols work hand in hand to promote community safety.

Observation, visibility, raising awareness and responding to trends all help strengthen communities and reduce crimes like burglary and vehicle thefts.

Police actively target known criminals and hold them to account for their actions. Information provided by community members can often be the missing piece of an investigation and can lead to a successful prosecution.

I encourage you to report all suspicious behaviour, people and vehicles, to help prevent a crime occurring.

If something doesn’t look right, then it probably isn’t.

Call 111 if a crime is happening now, or use 105 online if it’s already happened. Don’t let suspicious behaviour make victims of your neighbours.

Throughout the holiday season burglary can increase. Simple things like securing valuable items, locking gates and outbuildings and asking a trusted person to keep an eye on your home while you’re away can all help prevent burglary.

Roy Appley Regards

you remove all items - even things like sunglasses or shoes.

As the weather gets warmer, it’s tempting to leave windows open when you’re going out.

Even with window stays on, open windows offer easy entry into your home, so make sure you close all your windows properly before you leave the house.

Strong and safe communities only happen when individuals take an active interest in their immediate environment.

Joining Neighbourhood Support or a Community Patrol can give confidence to communities that people look out for each other; promoting wellbeing and helping us all feel safe.

Contact details can be found on page 62 for Neighbourhood Support and Community Patrols.

Have a safe and happy Christmas season, take care of your property, take care on the roads and take care of each other.

If you have a house alarm, remember to set it. If your vehicle is left outside, make sure

Senior Sergeant Roy Appley Community Services Manager Christchurch Metro Canterbury District

Message from Senior Constable Brad Hagerty

I hope everyone is enjoying a great summer thus far!

The last couple of years have certainly been particularly demanding, as we have all faced different and varied challenges.

Community policing has been no different as the environment of Covid continually evolves.

Community policing presents a very broad aspect of policing and can be both extremely rewarding and challenging.

Over the years I have been very fortunate to work in many different communities across New Zealand and meet some wonderful people.

Since 2011, I have been primarily based in the Hornby/Riccarton area.

Over the past year my main role has been School Community Officer (SCO) for the wider Hornby area.

SCOs focus on crime prevention and supporting schools around education and engagement of young people.

There is a strong focus on identifying early intervention opportunities which often involves working with other agencies and ensuring supports are in place for youth and their families.

SCOs also undertake core investigations of criminal offending and complete referrals to relevant justice systems as required.

For the past three months, I have been seconded to work in one of Christchurch’s Managed Isolation Facilities (MIF).

Working in the MIFs has been an interesting and unique experience. MIF staff are required to undergo testing twice a week and have daily health checks to ensure wider public safety is maintained.

A standard day for police involves working with other MIF staff and dealing with any breaches of health directives or wider issues of law.

In general, the guests are very compliant, and the hotel staff do a great job ensuring people are as comfortable as possible!

Congratulations to all persons in our community who contribute to the ongoing strengthening and wellbeing of our neighbourhoods. Wishing you a safe and happy summer.

Best Regards

Senior Constable Brad Hagerty Hornby Police

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Road Safety

My name is Natasha Rodley and I am the Road Policing Manager for the Canterbury District.

Road Safety is something we in the New Zealand police feel very passionate about.

There is no worse job for us than telling a family that their loved one has been killed in a crash on our roads. At the time of writing this, 38 people have died on Canterbury roads since the beginning of the year.

This is 38 too many - 38 families that are forever without their loved ones. We have also had numerous serious crashes where lives are forever changed by the injuries sustained.

New Zealand Police is a partner in the New Zealand Government Road to Zero strategy. This is based on the vision zero worldwide approach where no death is acceptable on our roads.

One of our key roles in the road to zero is enforcement. This enforcement is focused on crash-reducing behaviour such as speed and distractions like the use of cell phones while driving.

Speed is the biggest factor that determines injury severity in a crash even if it was not a cause of the crash.

Fatigue is a risk over long weekends and summer holidays, with drivers likely to travel longer distances to get to their holiday destinations.

Research shows that the longer people spend driving without a break, the greater their level of fatigue.

While driving around our beautiful country, why not stop at a new café or park for a stroll to give yourself a well-earned break.

Covid-19 has changed the landscape for all of us. We know this can be distressing and distracting, so please be mindful of this when driving and pay full attention to the road.

A moment’s inattention can have tragic consequences.

On that note, remember to put your mobile phone well out of reach while driving. It is too tempting to pick it up and just check that message while stopped at lights or in slow traffic.

You can use the map function but only when in a hands-free cradle and started prior to driving. We want everyone to have a great and safe summer so please make good decisions on our roads.

Don’t speed, organise a ride with a sober driver if drinking alcohol, don’t use your phones while driving and take regular breaks.

Regards

Natasha Rodley Road Policing Manager for the Canterbury District

Canterbury Highway Patrol

Summer is on its way, and with the warmer weather we will start to see the increase in traffic on our highways.

The Canterbury Highway Patrol are out on the roads 365 days of the year, and when things haven’t gone well for someone, our Serious Crash Unit gets called out. This occurs on average 100 times a year for serious and fatal crashes.

As much as the Highway Patrol staff like meeting people and saying “hi”, I thought I’d take this opportunity to give you some hints on how to avoid us interrupting your day, and help you make it to your destination safely without interrupting the day of the Serious Crash Unit.

These first few hints hopefully need no explanation. Adhere to the posted speed limit, drive sober and drug free, drive phone free and ensure that you, and everyone else in your car, has their seat belt on. Easy!

I’m sure everyone knows the next few, but let’s go over them anyway.

Following distances. No one likes a tailgater. The two second rule is the easy guide to know if you are doing it right. Watch the vehicle in front of you pass a landmark, then count ‘one thousand and one, one thousand and two’, if you pass the landmark before you have finished saying that, you are too close. At 50km/h you should be 20 meters or five car lengths back. Add a car length for each 10km/h faster you are travelling at.

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Mirrors. You must be able to see behind you. At this time of year, the number of vehicles towing caravans, boats and even tiny houses on our roads increases. Even when towing you must be able to see behind. If you can’t see behind with your rear-view mirrors, you may need to fit a special mirror. If you can see behind, you can see if you are holding up traffic and let it pass when safe to do so.

Keep left. Whether you are on a laned or un-laned road, keep to the left, especially on the bends. When you cross the centre line to ‘straighten out’ the corner it takes longer than you think to correct it, and any on coming vehicles can be on you quicker than you realise. Head on crashes can have devastating outcomes, don’t risk it, no matter how good of a driver you think you are.

One last point, keep an eye out for our more vulnerable road users like cyclists and motorcyclists.

Have a great summer everyone.

Senior Sergeant Vaughn Lapslie

Canterbury Highway Patrol – Serious Crash Unit

Canterbury District

Hornby Community Patrols

While it’s true that the key role of the Hornby Community Patrol is to act as the “eyes and ears” for police, we also undertake other activities to keep our community safe. We are active in reporting abandoned trolleys, burst water mains, fly dumping, graffiti, street lights that are out, pot holes in roads and a variety of other CCC issues.

Police provide us with taskings for our area, but we welcome the general public getting in touch with us to report an incident.

Not everyone is comfortable to report that their car has been broken into or that there is damage at the local skate park to police, but this information can factor into the planning of our patrols. We do still advise that all incidents are reported to police.

Over the last summer we spent a lot of time in the Kennedy’s Bush Road area as the memory of the Port Hills fires was still very much on all our minds. We hope that the additional patrols we completed provided the community with reassurance and sense of wellbeing.

Hornby has, during the last three-four years, had approximately 12 police recruits join the patrol. They subsequently went on to join the police and they tell us we provided an excellent environment for them to develop their report writing and observation skills.

In addition, we were able to provide training days with police, visiting the Justice Precinct with the opportunity to spend time in the communications area and some spent time at summertime events alongside police officers.

Over the last year we have held three Safer Plates events. For five dollars we replace the screws on your number plate with anti-theft

ones. We have held these at BP Halswell and Caltex Hornby. Both venues were excellent and we thank them for their support.

We have also supported the Tradies’ Breakfasts at ITM and Placemakers. Both events are prevention opportunities as police offer advice to Tradies on how to keep themselves safe and their tools secure. At these events we engraved tools but as most were keen to start their working days, contact details were taken for us to followup at a later time.

We are always in recruitment mode, so if you have a spare four hours a month, we would love to hear from you. We offer training, uniform, a MoU with police, are affiliated to CPNZ, have monthly morning teas and the opportunity for you to support your community.

Selwyn Neighbourhood Support

The Selwyn District has been the fastest growing district in NZ for the past few years now, so with thousands of new people moving in, getting to know your neighbours can be a challenge, but also takes on a whole new level of importance.

In some areas the whole neighbourhood is made up of new residents, so no one has the local knowledge that can be so important during an emergency event.

To help with this, the Selwyn District Council has a fund available for those in the community who want to get to know their neighbours.

Whether you’d like to run a street BBQ, summer picnic or international cuisine evening with your neighbours, the Council has funding available and are offering a subsidy of up to $75 per group through their Meet Your Street funding.

For more details, call (03) 3472 800 or visit: selwyn.govt.nz/meetyourstreet.

In Selwyn our Civil Defence teams and Neighbourhood Support groups work together to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are checked on and looked after during a civil defence emergency event.

It is important that every household has plans about how they will respond when an emergency happens i.e., major flood, fire or earthquake.

It’s up to you to make sure your family and the people you care about know what to do, and you all have what you need to get through on your own.

If you needed to leave your house right now, where would you go? What would you take? If you were stuck at home with no power or running water, how would you cope?

Recent events in Selwyn have reminded us how simple things can make a huge difference to us and our families when emergencies happen.

The good news is, it’s really easy to get ready now. Our top four tips are store some water, have a household emergency plan, join Selwyn Gets Ready, and get to know your neighbours.

If you’d like to know more,w the Selwyn District Council Civil Defence team have produced a free booklet called ‘Are You Ready? A guide to emergency preparedness in Selwyn’, which is available at the Selwyn Libraries and Service Centres.

For more information contact:

Sue Jenkins

Selwyn Neighbourhood Support Coordinator sue.jenkins@selwyn.govt.nz

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South Canterbury Neighbourhood Support

South Canterbury Neighbourhood Support has continued to work across the Timaru, Waimate and Mackenzie Districts with all the challenges that Covid-19 and flooding has brought.

It is great to see that New Zealand has shown, once again, that we are a resilient community of five million who can work well together to keep our communities safe places to live. It’s all about looking out for one another!

Our co-ordinator has continued to developed and strengthen connections and relationships with our many members, volunteers, our 340 street groups, partner organisations and funders.

Despite some cancellations due to Covid 19 during the summer months, we still managed to get our promotional stand out and about to a good number of large public events to meet as many people in our communities and neighbourhoods as we could, and we are thankful to Timaru District Council and Alpine Energy for sponsoring

prizes of Grab and Go kits and First Aid kits in our popular free prize draws.

The Mackenzie Highland A&P Show was a highlight where we joined the eleven support agencies and organisations who worked together to establish a ‘Community Support Village’ to share advice, information and support in a fun way to help keep our communities safe, resilient and connected.

We have been successful in our fundraising efforts too and we must thank the Lotteries Community Fund, Pub Charity, COGS, Timaru District Council Civil Defence, the Aoraki Foundation, Neighbourhood Support NZ and the Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury for their generous support which has enabled us to continue to provide support, resources and information to our members and volunteers, and support to run our community driven projects.

As a charity we rely on the support of our funders and partner organisations like the Police. Without their help we would not be celebrating another successful year.

Last year we were delighted that our co-ordinator, Betty-Ann, was elected as the Neighbourhood Support Canterbury District representative and also elected to the national board.

This has developed and strengthened our links to Canterbury Neighbourhood Support colleagues and national staff.

This year we were delighted to have winners in the national Neighbourhood Support NZ awards.

The winners were:

• Champion – Graham Dellow, an amazing Timaru street group volunteer for over 20 years

• Partner – ‘Aoraki Connect’ in partnership with Multicultural Aoraki and funded by the Aoraki Foundation, where we now have 18 diverse volunteers who welcome and support newcomers in their neighbourhood

• Project – The Rural Crime Prevention Project with our Police colleagues.

Our Shop Safe project continues to thrive where more than 100 local retailers look out for one another and offer support and help to prevent retail crime.

We ran four Burglary Prevention Pack give away sessions with our local Police partners which proved popular with our members.

The Tagline Project with our Community Patrol partners is still going strong. We have worked together with volunteers over a number of years to identify, clean and record over 1,000 graffiti tags in the Timaru District.

It is good to note that locally, in South Canterbury, we have experienced growth in our community-led project areas, membership, volunteers, face book followers and partnerships.

We hope this continues far into the future to continue to raise awareness in the prevention and preparedness space and to create safe, resilient and connected neighbourhoods and communities.

Smart Co-ordinator

Mid Canterbury Neighbourhood Support

The Ashburton District is currently busy with roadworks and development galore.

The town centre is gradually emerging from the dust and we have the start of what will be a lovely area once it is all complete.

I am sure businesses will be looking forward to the return of foot traffic and some normality.

Covid, flood and wind events have also set us back this year, so it has been a challenging time for many.

Warm weather and Xmas will hopefully provide some happier distractions for the district.

We are running a theft and burglary campaign in the run up to Xmas as a form of prevention, but also to just remind the

community that as they pack up and head away for weekends and travels, to be mindful of their property.

That is why a Neighbourhood Support group is important.

It ensures that people around you can keep an eye on your property, feed animals and check on the security of what is probably your biggest asset – your home.

We value our coordinators who do a great job in providing their area with this opportunity.

So, from me to the community – stay safe and enjoy the summer.

Sue Abel Neighbourhood Support Co-ordinator Mid-Canterbury

Strengthening the Wellbeing of North Canterbury

Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust provides FREE social and community services that strengthen the wellbeing of whānau, rangatahi and tamariki.

Uniquely local to North Canterbury, Community Wellbeing has been helping people in the Hurunui and Waimakariri to thrive for over 30 years.

Our free services include:

• Early childhood education

• Family social work

• Mana Ake - wellbeing support for tamariki in primary school

• Rangatahi wellbeing including specialist alcohol and drug support

• Community parenting programmes

• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group

• Restorative justice

• Kaiapoi Food Bank

• Community support.

In the last year alone, the Trust helped over 7,000 North Cantabrians and gave out close to 600 food parcels.

Here’s what some of our clients had to say:

Community parenting programme participant: “The two most important things I’ve learnt from “Tuning into Kids” is what’s called emotional coaching –acknowledging the feeling of the child in front of you, even if it’s a guess, and understanding my parenting style. I also found it helpful to hear from other parents having similar experiences, ‘cause we can all be really hard on our ourselves.”

Letter from 11 year old student to one of our Mana Ake kaimahi: “You have helped me along the way so much because of your kind, thoughtful and motivating skills. I will miss the times we spend in the meeting room together but I know that you will take another kid that needs you more than me … THANK YOU.”

Kaiapoi food bank client: “Asking for food is a very challenging and humbling thing to do especially for a father who is traditionally seen as the one who should be out there working. The community centre makes you feel human, and that reaching out for help is an OK thing to do if it’s needed.”

Community Mindfulness Project course participant: “Incredible coping tools. I think this will have been a big turning point in my life.”

Packed full of tips and tools to boost your mental health and wellbeing, the recently launched The Community Mindfulness Project Podcast series (made possibly by AIA Vitality) is now playing on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Podbean.

You can listen and subscribe here: www.wellbeingnc.podbean.com.

Community Wellbeing continues to grow and expand services to respond flexibly to the needs of our community, where and when needs arise.

But our ability to support our community is very much dependent upon you - our partners, donors and sponsors, and your amazing generosity. With your help we can deliver free services to individuals and families in need.

There are many ways you can help:

• You or your business can become a regular giver or make a one-off donation. All donations of $5 or more are tax deductible

• You can become a major sponsor. Sponsorship provides opportunities

for you and your business to engage more strongly with our local community, demonstrate social responsibility and develop a culture of community support in your workplace

• You can fundraise on our behalf such as running an event or entering a team in a fundraising walk, run or cycle

• You can give us free products or services to help us carry out our work

• You can donate food to help us create nourishing food parcels

• You can give us your time as a volunteer.

No-one can be sure exactly what will be needed in the months ahead, but the Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust will be here for long haul, looking after the wellbeing of North Canterbury whānau, rangatahi and tamariki.

Thank you. We truly could not do what we do without you.

To find out more about how you can help transform lives in North Canterbury, visit https://wellbeingnc.org.nz.

Follow us on Facebook for our latest news, wellbeing tips and parenting resources: https://www.facebook.com/Commu nityWellbeingNorthCanterburyTrust.

Article by by Louise Leitch.

TOUCHSTONE HOMES

Chorus cabinet art project

In 2010 Chorus began a trial in Auckland to test if art works on its cabinets decreased the frequency of graffiti vandalism.

This proved so successful the programme was extended to include art works in other towns and cities around the country.

We’ve been working in Christchurch since 2012 and have formed a really great relationship with the council’s Graffiti Team. The team manages our mural project, chooses the cabinets, sources artists and designs and oversees the completion of murals on our behalf.

This makes sense as they know their communities best - right from where graffiti vandalism problem areas are to what kind of art best suits the area, and

we feel very fortunate to have such a dedicated team to work with.

We know that changing cabinets from utilitarian telecommunications boxes to works of art is greatly appreciated by our communities.

These cabinets often tell stories about the communities in which they are located, while helping to discourage tagging.

All finished art is included on the Chorus website, shared on social media and is considered for the annual Chorus Cabinet art calendar, copies of which are sent around the world. Christchurch murals have regularly featured and we’re looking forward to what the coming year will bring.

Oak Development Trust

The Oak Development Trust is about growing people and creating community.

We are connected to Riccarton Baptist Church and have been in operation since 2010.

Our aims are to meet the social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of people in the Riccarton area by providing leadership and resources to nurture, empower and build the community.

The Trust focuses on families and migrants and creating community in all that it does.

We employ a community development worker who visits new people to the area with a welcome gift bag and supports them to connect into various activities available.

We also have a social worker and a cultural support worker who provide

advocacy and support for the migrant population in Riccarton.

Services include a variety of weekly activities with a Filipino playgroup and Mainly Music for pre-schoolers, sports in the park for primary school children, English, sewing and cooking classes for migrants, twice a month community café, nail cutting service and periodic socials for older people.

We also co-ordinate a monthly community newsletter and host two community events each year – one in March designed to help students and locals meet each other at the start of the year, and one in October showcasing the many cultural groups, places and activities happening locally.

The Trust is committed to supporting people to thrive and to live in a safe and connected community where that can happen.

Timaru Library 03 687 7202 library.timaru.govt.nz

Temuka Library, Service & Information Centre 03 687 7591 library.timaru.govt.nz

Geraldine Library Service Centre 03 693 9336 library.timaru.govt.nz

Victim Support

Victim Support provides a free, nationwide support service for people affected by crime, trauma, and suicide in New Zealand.

Anyone, anywhere, at any time can access our services, either through a referral from an agency like police, or by calling us directly on 0800 842 846.

Wherever you are, whatever has occurred, we will connect you with a support worker who will assess your needs and provide you with practical and emotional support.

Our support workers support victims in their times of need across a wide range of events, from burglary and assault to sudden bereavement.

They are a patient ear to listen and talk, while also providing practical information to help victims find safety, healing, and justice.

This might involve:

• listening to someone dealing with the shock of a crime or sudden trauma

• assisting a bereaved family with the coronial or funeral process

• supporting a person or family through a trial

• ensuring victims get any financial assistance they’re eligible for

• referrals to other support services.

Our support workers are trained to tailor support to the unique needs of you and your family or whānau. We can provide support for you individually, or as a family or group.

In Canterbury last year we undertook almost 40,000 total support actions.

Of the 4,700 total victims we supported with these many actions, 93 of them were impacted by homicide, and over 64 had been burgled or had disturbed an offender attempting a burglary.

Being a support worker at Victim Support is an incredibly enriching and rewarding thing to do.

“People don’t just open their doors to me, they open their lives,” says Jennifer, a volunteer support worker based in Christchurch.

“I’ve never had anyone tell me to ‘go away’, regardless of the pain or trauma they might be going through. I’m always blown away by just how brave they are,” she says.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Support Worker, or need our help in any way, don’t hesitate to call us any time on 0800 842 846.

There is also a wealth of information available on our website: www.victimsupport.org.nz.

The Very Bad Dog

At some point the dog, a Jack Russell Terrier figured out that he was smarter than the Bloke and I.

It started when he realised he could predict human behaviour - you just had to pay attention.

Showering meant he was going to be put in his kennel and we were going to leave him. As does applying lipstick and perfume. Therefore, these actions equal dog running off to a neighbouring property for continuing freedom and fun. He just slinks off before you even notice, evaporates.

Car keys could mean a ride in the car and to ensure it did not become going in the kennel, his plan was to run out of the drive immediately and down the road.

Sometimes he would pause at the doorway while considering his options then just bolt, hell for leather.

He discovered it is most fun when the dog runs in front of the car and the humans follow. This guarantees a ride even if it is short and the grumpy humans then put you in the kennel.

If the humans move the wheelie bin it is an opportunity to accompany them onto the road where you can pee on every letter box in view and play with cars and other humans. If the humans take the grass cutting machine up the driveway ditto – run onto road, narrowly avoid cars while peeing on every letter box.

He even started the same nonsense when the neighbours tried to go for a walk - he joined in too but never within arm’s reach.

Fearing for his safety they would be forced to turn around and go home. We had to leave a jar of dog treats and a lead tied to the front gate. He was out of control.

The final straw came when I went for a horse ride one day. I have never taken the dog with me and for 10 years he has waited patiently in the driveway for me to return.

I rode off down the street and about a kilometre from home the dog ran straight past me in the middle of the road.

He didn’t even look at me - just continued ahead only stopping when he was a nice safe distance away.

He would not come to me or sit and wait if I approached – he was in charge and there was nothing I could do about it!

If I rode faster, then he just ran faster, staying with me but well ahead. A car appeared and swerved to miss him.

Now I was worried that he would be killed before my eyes. I decided to just get cracking and get off the busy road as soon as possible.

We turn onto a quiet gravel road with large grassy verges and I relax a little – until we came to a cottage and he saw the cat!

Now the dog has chased the cat under the house. I am having a nervous breakdown and worried the homeowner will emerge

and shoot the dog who is running around and under the house while barking furiously.

I find a piece of hay bale twine and tie my 600-kilo horse to the flimsy looking cottage fence – thinking this could go horribly wrong - but there is no time to waste.

I am soon running around the cottage in full riding attire, including helmet, shouting all manner of things that cannot be printed. Then the homeowner arrives and attempts to pull into her driveway, but instead finds an enormous horse bum blocking her path. Worse, in her garden is a foul mouthed and red-faced mad woman.

Luckily the lady is lovely. She pats the horse and helps me capture the dog who is transferred onto the hay bale string and dragged home in disgrace.

I was seething! “Right – I’ve had it. I will not be outsmarted by that bloody dog,”

I raged to the bloke. Now he and the dog are both scared, and I am busy on the internet finding the solution.

The courier delivered the box within days and it took me another couple to install the invisible dog fence system.

Now the dog wears a clever collar that keeps him on our property and out of trouble.

I was so pleased with myself, smug in fact. Problem solved… no more worrying about that dog.

Two days later the dog was stealing the horse’s breakfast but she didn’t want to share with a stinky carnivore.

She pulled unhappy faces, snorted and then stomped her feet. The dog decided to assert his authority and barked in her face.

In response she jumped on him with one enormous front foot, smashing him into the dirt.

I saw the steel horseshoe across his neck and thought “Hell – he’s dead”. Then came the crying of a dog who has just learned a lesson the hard way.

I carried him inside and he was sore for a day or two then back to his usual robust self.

That damned terrier, thank God I am blonde – the grey hairs are far less noticeable.

By Deb Smalley

Volunteering Canterbury

One of the things that continues to make us smile here at Volunteering Canterbury is the interest from young people in volunteering.

As we write this, we are putting together a programme that will see approximately 1,000 hours of volunteer work in the community, during one week at the end of November, from one of the city’s high schools.

We also continue to speak to groups about volunteering and the contribution it makes to their communities on a day-by-day basis and, again, many of those groups are young people.

These younger people, 18-25 years of age, in particular are where the growth in interest in volunteering is the highest globally.

They are our next generation volunteers and it’s so important we consider how we can accommodate them in our volunteer programmes and give them worthwhile experiences now so that they continue through their lifetime to be active citizens!

The attached picture is a recent talk to a ‘Midnight Basketball’, an initiative by Whanganui Gators and Canterbury Basketball, which is aimed at empowering youth to gain mana and strength both on and off the court.

Glenda Martin Outreach Manager Christchurch Community House

Keeping Christchurch Beautiful

Working to support and encourage others to join us in taking action to beautify our city

Keep Christchurch Beautiful (KCB) is a branch of the national body Keep New Zealand Beautiful, and is also an independent incorporated society and charity.

KCB has existed since the early 1980s in various guises, always focussed on reducing litter and improving the environment of our city through education, action, support of the activities of others and collaboration with other community groups and regional and local authorities.

KCB achieves these goals via a number of projects, such as:

Schools Environmental Enhancement Programme (SEEP)

KCB’s flagship, this programme has run in primary/intermediate schools since 1994, with many schools participating every, or nearly every, year.

Over 40 schools take part each year, focussing on the tidiness of their grounds, the special work their caretakers do, how waste is minimised and recycled, and sometimes special one-off projects.

‘SEEP’ is greatly valued by schools and KCB alike and high standards are maintained across all schools. We always welcome new and returning schools, get in touch to see how it works.

Events

KCB runs clean ups and facilitates events initiated by others. We have a ‘library’ of equipment to lend groups comprising kits containing gloves, bags, tongs, litter pickers etc, which are very popular.

The number of events run increases each year as more people realise how effective and rewarding it is to spend a couple of hours cleaning up their neighbourhood.

Volunteer support & recognition

KCB supports volunteers in the community with equipment, advice, collaboration and recognition of their efforts through annual Community Awards and School Awards. We take nominations each year.

Collaboration

KCB works with any group/individual that wants to volunteer in their community to make a positive environmental difference.

We answer queries, source information, connect people together and provide equipment if we can.

Drop us an email, facebook message or text/call – you can find us at: 027 714 9343

tidykiwi@kcb.org.nz www.facebook.com/KCBNZ

CanTeen Aotearoa

Around 4,200 rangatahi / young people across Aotearoa are impacted by cancer each year, whether it’s their own diagnosis or in their whānau.

CanTeen’s mission is to make sure they don’t have to face cancer alone.

CanTeen supports 13-24 year-olds who have had their world turned upside down by cancer - whether it’s their own cancer, that of a sibling or parent, or the death of a sibling or parent.

We are here to help them cope with the physical, emotional, and practical impacts of a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer affects everyone differently and at CanTeen, we get that. We provide vital services tailored to the individual’s specific needs and cancer experience.

Our team of specially trained Psychosocial Support Workers and Youth Workers offer a range of free services to rangatahi faceto-face, over the phone, over zoom, and 24/7 through our online service – CanTeen Connect.

Individual support

Our Psychosocial Support Workers provide rangatahi individual counselling, whilst Youth Workers provide one-on-one support by meeting up for a coffee or having a call.

“My Psychosocial Support Worker has been amazing. She provides one to one support and helps me deal with the tough stuff by

teaching me coping strategies. I call her on the phone when I need to talk, and she is always there to listen. She knows a lot of things I haven’t been able to talk to my friends about. She just gets it.”

- Dayna, age 17 when she was diagnosed with a carcinoid tumour in her left lung

Peer-to-peer events and programmes

Our Youth Workers host events across Aotearoa to connect rangatahi with peers their age who are going through similar challenges. These events provide rangatahi respite from the daily struggles that cancer brings and range from surfing and rock climbing to self-care workshops and movie nights.

CanTeen also offers therapeutic programmes. These provide rangatahi a space to learn self-care strategies and build resilience to face the challenges cancer brings.

Programmes give rangatahi a safe space to talk about their thoughts and feelings while making life-long friendships.

Online support

Rangatahi across Aotearoa can access 24/7 support through CanTeen Connect, either online or via the app.

It’s a safe space to connect, chat, and share stories with others in similar situations and counsellors are also available online or by phone seven days a week.

Alcoholics Anonymous

New

Zealand

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions.

A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.

Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

A.A. can help people of any age and background so youth drinking, teen

drinking, drinking alone, drinking at home, solo drinking and elderly drinking are all factors that have brought people to A.A., and we have members aged from 16 through to 96.

If you find problem drinking, binge drinking, drinking blackouts or other alcohol problems are affecting your life and that of your friends and family, Alcoholics Anonymous may have the solution for you.

To find out if we can help, try our ‘Are you an alcoholic?’ quiz at www.aa.org.nz or contact AA by ringing 0800 229 6757. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

Christmas and Summer holiday crime prevention

Will the Grinch steal Christmas this year? Well, the answer is largely in your hands if we are talking about burglaries and theft from cars.

It’s coming into that time of year where we like to take a load off – relax for a couple of weeks, put the feet up at the bach, or even head off overseas (well, maybe not during this Covid year).

It’s also the time of year when burglars tend to be more active.

Canterbury traditionally sees an increase in both burglaries and theft from cars during the Christmas and summer school holiday period. Currently nearly half of what is reported as a ‘burglary’ is actually theft from a vehicle parked on your property.

Burglary prevention is equally important for holiday homeowners, landlords, and people with a single main residence. Importantly, burglary isn’t only about having your contents stolen – thieves can also cause significant damage to other possessions and the property itself whilst trying to gain access.

There are several steps you can take to avoid having to deal with the heartache and distress of someone committing crime in or on your property:

• Keep all valuables out of sight – gifts under the tree are tempting for thieves so make sure they, and other valuables, can’t be seen from outside the home. Also be careful when disposing of any tell-tale packaging

• Check window joinery, and promptly replace or repair any loose latches

• Install security stays on windows

• Fit deadlocks or deadbolts to all external doors, especially older doors and ranch sliders which can be more easily broken into

• Install a burglar alarm and advertise the presence of an alarm

• Install exterior sensor lights, and check existing lights are working correctly

• Install security cameras

• Don’t run extension leads to power outdoor lights through an open window

• Lock outdoor sheds and put your valuable gardening gear in them

• Remove valuables or hide them from sight in parked vehicles (this includes the garage remote)

• Lock your vehicle.

Something else to consider is not advertising that you are away.

Keep your lawns mowed, gardens tidy, the mailbox clear and rubbish bin removed after collection.

Being a bit tech savvy can also help, avoid leaving messages on social networking sites and answering machines with dates and other specific details of your absence.

Let your neighbours know if you’re going to be away, give them your contact phone number, and if you have a good relationship with your neighbour – ask them to clear your mail, or park in your driveway to keep up the ruse.

I have attached some infographics with stats and prevention advice for you to share with your friends and neighbours.

Stay safe over the summer period – and Merry Christmas from all of us in the Canterbury Police.

Phil Newton Youth/Community Manager Canterbury District

IN THE EVENT THAT YOU MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO EVACUATE YOUR HOME, DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?

A FEW QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF SO... LET’S TAKE THESE DETAILS ONE AT A TIME. DO YOU KNOW:

Based on the information available, and my knowledge of the area...” Do I need to evacuate?” If the answer is “YES”... Do you have a place to go? How will I get there?... Will I take my vehicle? Will transport be provided?, Will I have to walk? What do I need to take with me?

Where will you go?

The safest route to get there?

How long it will take to get there?

What do I need to take with me?

Medications (regualry taken)

Important documents (Birth/marrigae certifactes; Home insurance; Drivers license; Passport etc)

Sturdy Shoes (especially if leaving on foot)

Snacks/Water

Warm Jacket (both wind & waterproof)

Money (A small amount of cash in small denomations - not $100 bills)

Do I need to evacuate?

If the answer to this is YES... where will you be going?

To a friend or family?

To a welfare centre?

Simply to higher ground?

How will I get there?

Am I going by vehicle?

Am I going to walk?

Is transport provided?

IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT THIS IS A DISCUSSION YOU HAVE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND A PLAN IS SET IN PLACE.

Useful contact numbers

Name

Group Co-ordinator

Dentist

School

Doctor

Chemist

Phone

Canterbury Neighbourhood Support 03 420 9944 admin@canterburyns.net

Police www.police.govt.nz

- Non-Urgent Non-Injury Traffic Issues *555

- Non urgent crime or other issues 105

www.police.govt.nz/use-105

- Anonymous reporting 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-nz.org

Covid-19

Healthline – Ministry of Health

0800 358 5453 www.covid19.govt.nz

0800 611 116 www.health.govt.nz

Mental Health Foundation Ph/text 1737 www.mentalhealth.org.nz

Christchurch Civil Defence Emergency Management

www.ccc.govt.nz/services/civil-defence www.getthru.govt.nz

Christchurch City Council 03 941 8999 info@ccc.govt.nz

Report Graffiti, Rubbish, Potholes, Water leaks etc

Age Concern

Smartphone appSnap Send Solve

0800 80 33 44 team@ageconcerncan.org.nz

Community Patrols 04 817 0228 www.cpnz.org.nz

Community Law Canterbury 03 366 6870 www.canlaw.org.nz

Citizens Advice Bureau 0800 367 222 0800 367 222 www.cab.org.nz

SPCA 03 349 7057 www.spca.nz/centre/christchurch

- Animal Ambulance 03-349 7057 www.animalambulance.net

Internet Safety 0508 638 723 www.netsafe.org.nz

Scams and Spam www.scamwatch.govt.nz

Canterbury Region Neighbourhood Support Contact Details

Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pataka o Rakaihautū Banks Peninsula

Office Phone: 03 420 9944

Email: admin@canterburyns.net

Elissa Smith (Junior Neighbourhood Support Co-ordinator)

Email: jns@canterburyns.net

Murray McGusty (Manager)

Email: manager@canterburyns.net

Postal Address: PO Box 16103, Hornby 8441

www.nscanterbury.nz

This website for general information about Neighbourhood Support Canterbury.

Mid Canterbury

Sue Abel

C/- Ashburton Police Station

Postal Address: PO Box 34, Ashburton 7740

Office Phone: 03 308 3558

Mobile: 027 296 1006

Email: sue.abel@safermidcanterbury.org.nz

Selwyn District

Sue Jenkins

Selwyn District Council

Postal Address: P O Box 90, Rolleston 7643

Phone: 0800 735 996

Email: sue.jenkins@selwyn.govt.nz

South Canterbury North Canterbury

Sarah Saunders

Neighbourhood Support North Canterbury

Address: c/- Kaiapoi Police Station

149 Williams Street, Kaiapoi

Phone: 027 383 0166

Email: manager@ncns.org.nz

www.northcanterbury.getsready.net

Betty-Ann Smart

Neighbourhood Support South Canterbury

Address: c/- Timaru Police Station

20 North Street, Timaru 7910

Phone: (03) 687 9802

Email: scns@xtra.co.nz