CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2008 - 2009.

This past year has seen a period of growth for NSNZ, both in terms of our professional development at Board and area level and our progress in the districts and areas where previously there were some gaps in our understanding or appreciation of what was, or wasn't, happening in terms of Neighbourhood Support.

We now appear to have representation from all the 12 Police Districts which I believe is a first for our organisation. This has not been achieved without some considerable effort on behalf or our National Manager and others.

The partnership with NZ Police remains solid to grow with an updated MOU in place and more recognition for the significant role NS can play in crime reduction and safety in our communities. There is further awareness of the value NS offers in providing opportunities to enhance the flow of information both out to the communities and from the community back to police.

We are encouraged by the current police administration's continued intentions to work alongside communities and to be aware of their issues and concerns - with our links to the rural and urban neighbourhoods there is probably no organisation better equipped than NS to progress this philosophy.

New Community Policing Manager's positions in the Wellington and Auckland districts (and probably in other areas too), along with designated NS Liaison Officers, have provided NS with lines of communication into the police organisation at area level that have not always existed. There are now real opportunities for personal relationships to develop between the partners at those levels and this offers opportunity for team approaches to the issues of the day.

Funding continues to be the area requiring constant attention and while we have extended our agreement with the Ministry of Justice for another period of 12 months we are intent on securing a three year funding agreement in order to provide us with security of tenure and a meaningful time frame in which to develop and grow.

While central funding of that type will address our national office needs it does little to enhance the coffers of NS at local levels.

I am very mindful of the ongoing struggles to fund, or even part fund, paid coordinators at area level and the present economic climate has conspired to make that task even more difficult than it might ordinarily have been.

We only need to review the difficulty constantly experienced in getting delegates to Wellington for Board meetings to understand what we are up against.

Central Government is certainly aware of our existence however progress in expanding dialogue and encouraging something more tangible than words of support has been slow as the new ministers settle into their roles.

The Police Minister, Judith Collins, appears sincere in her support and I am quietly confident of her ability to squeeze the Justice budget to our benefit.

The potential for NS to partner organisations such as ACC, Civil Defence, District Health Boards and others in education and information sharing is great but inevitably it must come back to our ability to deliver in that wider forum.

It is these organisations and their like that, provided they are made aware of our worth and potential, who may hold the key for future funding opportunities, even if on an ad hoc basis.

There is huge potential to grow NS members numbers but less real capacity to be able to service such increases and herein lies the principal problem.

We do not want to be drawn into a numbers game for the sake of demonstrating progress. We must have the ability to provide quality delivery of contact and information to our groups and if we fail in that area then we have not progressed at all.

Our partners, present and future, need to be reminded of our need for resources to enable us to provide that standard of quality and relevant service delivery to our members. We should always resist the temptation to talk membership up when the numbers themselves are not supported by our ability to respond at grass roots level.

We must not be shy in pushing our brand. We need to demonstrate how we work and what we can offer, especially to local and central government and their agencies. Local authorities who offer no real support to NS in their areas need to be educated, encouraged and cajoled into accepting NS as a substantial asset in their community's safety plans.

Our relationship with Civil Defence at many local levels is strong but there is need for NS to be recognised at Ministry level. The fish hook in this however comes back to our ability to handle substantial increases in numbers of people who wish to participate, or create NS in their areas, whether they are living in rural or urban areas.

It is this challenge that will require our attention as we go forward and our demonstrable success or otherwise in widening our catchments will in the end be the test of whether we can be seen as a truly national organisation.

I wish to record my thanks to all of you, the Delegates. We have a great deal of experience, wisdom and enthusiasm around the table.

When I first became involved with the Board it seemed much of our time was spent on matters other than core business - this was at a time when we were experiencing some growing pains, maturing I guess.

Once we began leaving our egos and firearms at the door much progress was made. Now the Board operates as an open book and that policy has attracted many favourable comments from within and outside the organisation.

We have credibility and with your continued input that credibility will grow.

We do need to keep sharing information with our area coordinators and we do need to encourage contributions from those same people. The Board best operates as an inclusive structure and everyone should be aware that matters of any import can be raised through the Delegates on their behalf.

Training is an area where we can do better. The one day workshop concept offers training within a district for those in the area or close enough to attend without the costs of overnight stays.

Bay of Plenty has succeeded in demonstrating how this can be achieved with their recent training day in Taupo.

This style of training workshop offers a tremendous learning opportunity for those involved in NS at a local level and as importantly provides a valuable forum for networking and peer support or review.

As the outgoing Chair I wish to acknowledge in particular the work of volunteers within NS. The work of the volunteer tends to fall on relatively small numbers of hard working people within our communities. They are, in my opinion, true heroes in this country and should never be taken for granted.

About two years ago we advertised, for the first time, for a National Manager for NSNZ. Now whether that's the most appropriate job title or not could be the subject for future consideration.

Suffice to say that in the first instance no suitable candidate was found and the position was subsequently re-advertised.

Through the abilities, insightfulness and objectivity of the interviewing panel Roger Eynon was selected - did I mentioned that I was part of that panel?

Roger's communication skills, along with his tenacity and ability to get to the nub of issues, have been a considerable asset to this organisation and has made the Chair's position a smoother ride than it might have been without his presence. I thank Roger for his efforts.

Neighbourhood Support is in good shape but we need to remain alert to the challenges that we will confront as we progress.

I wish everyone involved with Neighbourhood Support the best of fortune for the coming year.

Paul Miller
Chair
NSNZ

24 August 2009