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Kapiti News
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Community patrol now has own car ANN READING Otaki Community Patrol group now has its own community patrol vehicle. Group spokesman Errol Maffey said the 18-strong group had each used their own cars when on patrol but fundraising plus funds carried over from the former patrol organisation, assistance from the Otaki Community Board and the parent organisation has resulted in the purchase of the 1993 Nissan Sentra. The vehicle was selected, prepared and will be maintained for the patrol by Dennis Etevenaux and his firm, Otaki Automotive. Group secretary Vyvien Starbuck-Maffey believed the bilingual signwriting on the car makes this the first community patrol car to display both English and Maori. A blessing ceremony for the vehicle was carried out on Saturday at the Otaki police
station by kaumatua Rikki Baker with invited guests including Mayor Ross Church, Otaki Community Board chairman James Cootes, councillor Penny Gaylor and Sergeant Slade Sturmey. Group chairman Bryan Fraser in his address thanked Sergeant Terry Moore (on an overseas posting) for his help in getting the group together and establishing the police liaison and also thanked Sergeant Callan Nikora for keeping it going in the meantime. A community patrol is a voluntary group of people giving time and taking responsibility within their own community to help the police make their community a safer place in which to live. The patrols’ job is acting as eyes and ears for police. They patrol their community in pairs noting anything that could be suspicious and immediately informing police of incidents requiring urgent attention. After
a three month training period, patrollers usually patrol once a month. Applicants are vetted by police before becoming patrol members and work with senior patrollers during their training period. Each member must sign a declaration of confidentiality and agree to abide by a code of conduct before working with the patrol. While community patrols may have links to local councils and organisations with community safety interests it is important they remain autonomous and are managed by a committee of their members. Members meet regularly for training and to discuss issues and opportunities. Local patrols are encouraged to affiliate with Community Patrols of New Zealand. A condition of affiliation to Community Patrols of New Zealand is that the patrol has the support and confidence of the police and has a police liaison
INDEPENDENCE: A vehicle for Otaki Community Patrol was blessed by kaumatua Rikki Baker, extreme right, with a group of civic dignitaries and patrol volunteers present at the Otaki police station on Saturday. PHOTO: ANN READING / KAP020214ARPATROL officer allocated to work with it, Sergeant Slade Sturmey is now the Otaki police member. Mr Maffey said if anyone would like to volunteer in Otaki,
they can register at the police station. More information about community patrols is on the website www.cpnz.org.
Whirlwind caravan set for relay launch CLOE WILLETTS
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UNITED: Members of Relay For Life’s Whirlwind team in front of the Whirlwind charity’s soon-to-be-launched community caravan. Left to right: Ryan Edwards, Sam Edwards, George Edwards, Adienna Sloman, Sonny Edwards, Talyessin Sloman, Debbie Sloman and Martin Sloman. PHOTO: CLOE WILLETTS / KAP030214CWRELAY
This year’s Relay For Life has seen significant involvement from the coast’s dedicated men’s wellness charity Whirlwind, which is to introduce its new community caravan at the February 22-23 event. Having registered as a team and put their hands up to cook a big breakfast and barbecue for relay participants, Whirlwind co-founders Martin Sloman and Ryan Edwards are looking forward to participating for a second year. Excited to launch the arrival of the team’s new Whirlwind caravan, currently in the process of branding, the pair says the new addition will be open to relay participants and supporters during the weekend. ‘‘Being out there as an available resource for people at Relay For Life is a nice opportunity for Whirlwind,’’ Martin said. ‘‘This is a great chance for blokes who have things they want to share, such as their experience with cancer.’’
With both Martin and Ryan having seen family members affected by cancer, the Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is an event close to their hearts. ‘‘Last year I played during the candlelight ceremony,’’ said Ryan, an established local singer-songwriter who will be performing for a second time this year. ‘‘The ceremony invites people to light a candle and quietly think about a person lost to cancer, and it is really special being able to use my music to enrich the moment.’’ Established in 2010, Whirlwind is a charity focused on breaking down stereotypical messages associated with men’s mental wellness, working to promote sustained men’s health through music and open communication. Hoping to bring the caravan to a range of local events this year, including the Paraparaumu Beach markets where Ryan busks on Saturdays, Martin said the new initiative will allow Whirlwind to gain a wider presence in the community.
‘‘Just because Whirlwind stands for men engaging with the tougher side of life, it doesn’t mean we’re a closed shop towards having those sorts of conversations with anybody else.’’ The pair, whose wives and children will also make up Whirlwind’s relay team, said Relay For Life is an opportunity to share their work with their families. ‘‘My wife Sam and Martin’s wife Deb have given up tonnes of time and been so incredibly supportive of us doing what we’re doing, so to be able to pass on our thanks and show them we’re doing well is really important,’’ Ryan said. Committed to working alongside other local charities and organisations, Martin said Whirlwind jumped at the chance to support the wide-scale international event. ‘‘It’s about getting out there, approaching the community and presenting ourselves as great men who are willing to have great conversations with anybody.’’
Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu March 2nd, 2014. Start time 10.00am Adults $10.00, Children under 15 Free • Preferential parking for Vintage, Classic, Hot Rod or Motorcycles (drivers entry $5.00) • Prizes to be won for Best Presented Club and Vehicles • Behind the scenes of the Restoration workshops • See some of the Museums exhibits roar into life •The mighty Wurlitzer Organ will be played in all its glory • Lots of entertainment for the children Follow us on Facebook For more info contact Hayden 027 859 2774 or hayden@southwards.co.nz www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz