Bulletin Board Issue 14

November 2009

FROM THE DESK OF ROGER EYNON
NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT NEW ZEALAND

Kia ora,

Welcome to the 14th issue of Bulletin Board. It's back to the usual format this issue. A lot of water has gone under the bridge and following a quarter that saw me largely glued to my seat in Wellington and a stint back in the UK, I was back on the road with a trip to Levin to rub shoulders with the Levin Neighbourhood Support members and witness the Honourable Judith Collins address their meeting, followed up with 2 trips to Manukau, for very different reasons, attending Hobart for the Australasian Neighbourhood Watch Conference and then off to Napier to attend the Neighbours Day there during Neighbourhood Week (31st October - 8th November).

The Neighbourhood Support New Zealand Board meeting on 10th November was extremely well attended with a host of observers and first timers.

For more information of Neighbourhood Support and associated events, go to our events page on our website.

November is an important time in our calendar as the list of events demonstrates. Funding is foremost in most minds and the reports that were fed to the Board in August showed 5 at risk areas of Neighbourhood Support where Council or similar funding had been withdrawn or not renewed. Ironically, the decisions have been accompanied with overall support for Neighbourhood Support and a strong message for it continue - but without funding.

I recently read a book that I acquired at a second hand book sale in aid of a good cause. It was loosely based on Dante's Inferno. One part of the major character's hell was to witness a conveyor belt where machinery parts were put together bit by bit as they progressed along the conveyor belt. When completed, they were guided through a hinged access point where the belt continued. On the other side, a team, similar in size to the first crew, dismantled the same machinery, split the parts and placed them in barrows, then, they were taken back to the start of the first stage where they were then reassembled as if new.

This cycle seem familiar.

Neighbourhood Support is not an instant win. It needs nurturing. We service many vulnerable people. As a constant and unmistakable source of support and deliverer of the often neglected topic of "social cohesion", we do a good job. In my mind, it's just plain old "community spirit". People do it because they want to but as in all things in life, there needs to be some investment. Maybe it is not instantly needed, but inevitably the time comes when investment is a necessity. Einstein once said the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

I have spent a lot of time brooding over what Neighbourhood Support would be like if it was a civic responsibility. A right of passage, if you like. My father was in the Home Guard when he was 17. "Don't panic, don't panic" - in later years he did actually look like Captain Mainwaring, especially when he grew a little moustache.

The point was he knew he had a part to play and he played it. It was accepted and it was "the way" at the time.

So - we all have a part to play and the more that opt out; the harder it is to travel in the right direction. Neighbourhood Support ticks a lot of boxes for authorities. We aren't overly precious about who shares in our achievements because we do not do it for accolades. It is done because it is right.

Also, once a year (at funding application time) is not frequent enough to shout about what you do and how difficult it may be for you to do it. In my mind, many decisions have already been made by then.

During the month of September, compared to my time in this role, I was practically deluged with good news stories and motivational anecdotes that quite literally flew in on my email. This is something that should be part and parcel to your local longevity and I would urge all areas to think about how the outside world may take you for granted.

This has ended up being quite a big issue - so, I will dedicate issue 15 to the stories and anecdotes that I received and that will be circulated early next month.

So - on with the show!

You can contact me on: roger.eynon@police.govt.nz or ddi - 04 470 7022.

PLEASE PASS IT ON TO YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT CONTACTS

Welcome on Board

Chair National Board - First and foremost, we welcome Rob Veale as the new Chair of Neighbourhood Support New Zealand. Rob is retired from New Zealand Police with 30+ years in the service, retiring with the rank of Inspector. Rob is a strong advocate in the field of domestic violence and is a consultant on the subject. If you want to know more - please visit his site:

Paul Miller has returned to his previous role of Deputy Chair and has always continued in his capacity of Eastern Delegate. Our thanks go to Paul who has shouldered the Acting Chair role along with his full-time Crime Prevention role in Napier and the voluntary role of Eastern Delegate.

Wellington District - A warm welcome to Sam Andrews-Paul, who was nominated to succeed Alison as the Delegate for Wellington. Sam is a 20 hour per week funded Coordinator and she is based in Masterton.

We waved goodbye to Alison Hobcraft who did a sterling job in keeping Neighbourhood Support in the public eye in Kapiti and who performed admirably in the role of Wellington Delegate. Our thanks go to Alison who accomplished all in a purely voluntary capacity.

Kapiti Neighbourhood Support Coordinator Shona Jaunas has taken over where Alison left off locally. Shona has jumped in and has some new ingredients to add to the mix. I look forward to hearing how Kapiti Neighbourhood Support evolves with Kapiti Safer Community Trust behind them.

Waitamata District - I had reported that a delegate had been nominated. However, a late change of nominee causes me to amend that report. Les Duffield, the existing Treasurer of Waitakere Neighbourhood Support was nominated to the Delegate post. He has since attended two national Board meetings and feverishly reports between local and national issues. Welcome Les.

Auckland Delegate - We welcome Barry Hyde as the new Delegate. Barry is the Community Liaison Officer for Auckland City and attended the November 2009 Board meeting. He is another Delegate who has had a positive effect on bringing down the average age of our Board membership and has some new and motivating initiatives planned.

Kevin Hicks stands down as the Delegate but will continue as Treasurer in a local capacity. Kevin has been an ever present since I started and I hope I will catch up with him on my next visit to Auckland. Our thanks and best wishes go to Kevin and all he has achieved.

Counties Manukau District - Welcome to Poutoa Papapli'i who is the Coordinator for Otara. Poutoa attended our Board meeting and AGM in August and I was then able to return the favour by meeting with him at Manukau City Council buildings a little while later. Poutoa has already made great strides in identifying new opportunities and introducing Neighbourhood Support to the community.

Also welcome to Dot Grant who is the Coordinator for Mangere. I also managed to meet Dot on the same visit and was able to get together on her home ground. She has a tough job but I witnessed the Manukau City Council led Neighbourhood Support meeting in action and was mighty impressed. This was a clear partnership in action; Council, Police and Neighbourhood Support - all working in the same direction.

Points from last Bulletin

Last issue I covered a few things that I encountered in the UK. The popular new cider drinks have arrived in NZ. Strong and sweet-tasting. That's all I have to say - I said enough last time.

I mentioned my previous role in the UK as a Financial Investigator for Merseyside Police. I followed the processes laid down under the Proceeds of Crime Act and its subsequent amendments. My powers were not of arrest or seizure but of Confiscation and Forfeiture under the civil test - which was on "the balance of probabilities". This is a stern test for those who benefit from or accrue criminally derived assets. In UK rough terms, if you are charged under certain criteria and the terms of the Act are applied, then if you are convicted, your financial lifestyle is open to investigation. The burden of proof has shifted.

Balance of Probabilities is to be introduced here. It's a strong tool in dismantling the financial strength of organised and not so organised crime. So once confiscated - where does the money go? The UK applied a percentage straight back to the Force that obtained it. Similar criteria applied to cash seizures. I am of a mind that some of the forfeiture should be routed back into the heart of the community. Neighbourhood Support is a worthy cause and is well placed to both adequately manage modest funds and deliver a specific complementary service perfectly formed to be the nemesis of the "donators" of the funds. I would ask the Ministers involved to consider this model as a purposeful demonstration of feeding back into communities, that which has been taken from them.

I forwarded some links and ideas to Auckland and surrounding areas that I had gathered when in the UK, when I had become aware of the Big Lunch. Some of this information was utilised by Neighbourhood Support groups in planning for the Auckland Neighbours Day 2009. Go to:

Finally - I had cause to look at how easy it is for groups to have something akin to a street party. Not all streets are cul-de-sacs or have practical gardens to use. It was apparent that, on the face of it, it was a reasonably logical process. However, red tape and cost implications generally mean that plans simply don't get off the ground. I found a general UK based webpage that provided some guidance even though local councils tend to have specific information hidden somewhere. Councils want communities to have local and well planned events. If the criteria that you need to meet are set too high - then you cannot proceed. I sent some examples to one particular council as a pilot and they are now looking at compromises in their policies. Good on them!

International Volunteers Day

In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly designated 5 December as an annual celebration of voluntary action by people, communities and governments of the world. International Volunteer Day (IVD) is for volunteers from all walks of life working in communities around the globe. The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is the designated international focal point for IVD.

The role of the volunteer in Neighbourhood Support is undisputed. Volunteers contribute 4.9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of New Zealand.

The website of the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector states:

I hope you can celebrate this day in your own way with those who choose to give their time willingly within their own community.

Minister's Drivers of Crime

I have mentioned this before:

It will give you comprehensive information on the process. 100 organisations were invited. Submissions were requested after the event. 49 were received and Neighbourhood Support New Zealand and Auckland City Neighbourhood Support were 2 of those submissions.

The Minister's Drivers of Crime are essentially the criteria under which new contracts will be considered in terms of delivering Law and Order projects. So, if you are an Area of Neighbourhood Support, you may well fall under these criteria if you are funded by the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) as was. Our contract ends 30th June 2010 and we are likely to not know how we will "look" after that date until mid May at the earliest.

Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice

This is the name and form that CPU now takes. Neighbourhood Support New Zealand will enter a consultation period, culminating in an application process for cyclical funding with them. The timeline is tight and late notification of surety will impact upon planning, whoever you are. We are hoping for a positive outcome.

Sponsorship

Should we? Can we? How?

In my mind - nothing ventured - nothing gained. The key to a good relationship is identifying the right partner. Match benefits to needs and seek common ground. Nothing will happen if you do nothing and until you reach an agreement, you are not in each others pockets.

Choose wisely, don't grasp at the first offer. Be strategic and think - how much is our image/service/profile worth? Is it a monetary relationship or a resource sharing relationship? What do we need? Remember - relationships come with strings attached. Resource sharing is good and is probably easier to manage.

It is important to remember that the community and voluntary sector is populated by some 97,000 organisations - that's roughly 1 organisation or group for every 45 people. Not all will be viable and not all will deliver in the most efficient way. Some will be very niche driven and under the radar.

Think about your competition. Should you be in competition or should you be strengthening relationships and sharing the load - whether it is delivery or costs?

These are factors that should be considered before looking for a sponsor, then act in a similar manner as the organisation you are approaching. Have your data and plans available and remember that what you keep back will not help your chances in a more commercially minded environment.

Neighbourhood Support New Zealand finds itself at the crossroads in terms of sustainability. It is likely that what has been available before, even though modest, will be different next time around. The Board is discussing how to shape a future with strong partners and a more assured method of financial support. Time will tell on this one.

Keeping and Managing Data

This is such a difficult topic. The reason being is that there is such a diverse methodology applied across Neighbourhood Support in general - it can be one of the biggest threats to sustainability.

If you lead a group, an area or a district and you are the only person who keeps, records, updates, manages and protects your data - then think again. It is too vulnerable. At the very least, you should have a second person who has an identical copy. It should be kept in a different location and passwords should be provided to the authorised persons.

I don't mean to state the obvious, but I have been made aware of too many examples where the Street Contact or the Coordinator:

• loses funding
• withdraws with no replacement
• has health issues
• moves away temporarily
• does not perform a hand-over

Data is collected for a reason. It remains the property of Neighbourhood Support at all times and is not "personal" property although it is personal information. It is quite acceptable to ensure that this information is made available for Neighbourhood Support and Neighbourhood Support New Zealand purposes. This data will never be "sold" or passed on for commercial reasons or gain.

If you have a loose arrangement with your data - then think about it. What happens if you or your lead person is not around or wants out?

It's time to think about securing the data that was so time consuming to gather and collate.

Depending on your set up, I would look at the following options:

• produce a CD copy every 1st of the month and hand to Deputy or Chairperson (and destroy the previous copy)
• if neither of these are available, make arrangements with the local Police station to lodge a sealed and signed envelope with the CD in it
• take a hard copy (paper) twice a year and lodge same as above
• ensure no one person controls collation, safe keeping and passwords - if they are no longer on board, then it may be lost
• do not rely on one flash-drive that hangs round your neck or off your key-ring
• remember - home PCs can be taken and can have problems of their own. Don't rely on it always being there for you.

Privacy

As I was writing this issue, I received an enquiry regarding this subject. Privacy fits comfortably with Data Management and the processes your groups and areas put into place in order to progress your Neighbourhood Support aspirations.

I attended a conference in Hobart in October and one of the guest presenters was Liz Little, Principle Consultant, Department of Justice, Tasmania (I think). Liz's topic was "Safe at Home" - A Response to Family Violence. During the presentation, Liz stated that the Territory's belief was that privacy or the Privacy Act "was the biggest impediment in cross organisation working" and that there was to be a radical approach in managing this fact. Bluntly put, people died because of a lack or delay in sharing information.

I don't for a moment suggest the same in New Zealand, but it does make one think that the Privacy Act is not there to hide behind, but is there to protect individuals who have freely given personal information with the belief that it will be managed well, kept safe and will be used for the purpose for which it was collected. Neighbourhood Support should be aware that to interpret the Act as an instruction to impede the provision of crucial information and thereby the progress and the capacity of the organisation is not what it was put into place to do.

I believe that Neighbourhood Support members expect their information to be dealt with as I have detailed. I also believe that Neighbourhood Support members expect it to be used in accordance with the Neighbourhood Support purpose and objectives and that it is available should an event occur.

The Napier siege was just such an example.

Under Data Management, I have stated that data should not be in the hands of and controlled by one person alone. This is bad practice and if it was your bank with your money - you would be concerned too.

At Street Contact level - this is not a massive issue. Over and above that, it is an issue. An Area Coordinator should have a committee or a management team behind them (if it is a paid position). This is the level where the discussion should be had and alternatives agreed upon. It is the capacity of the area and district that is being safe-guarded and not the maybes of a single person with all the responsibility of always being at the sharp end. This simply isn't viable.

OK - common sense dictates that what I have said will not always be possible, but it should always be considered and the national newsletters should make the reader think about the issues I raise, if nothing else.

Resources

Resource Management - It has been some time now since Morris Cheer and I initiated a safety net in terms of resource provision. It has worked well and I have managed to nip over-orders in the bud. There have been many examples where an extra zero has gone in where the quantity box is and that has stopped the issue of items that were 10 times the amount required or the quantity that the stock comes in hasn't been considered.

Stocks - We have healthy stocks of Neighbourhood Support signs (urban style) and Rural Neighbourhood Support signs. Folders are back in stock and all should adequately last the rest of the year.

Bulk Orders - If bulk orders are received and represent a good proportion of our stocks - I will ask for a plan of implementation before ordering. I think that's fair enough as there has been some pockets of stockpiling that still come to light.

Fact Sheets - We regularly review our Fact Sheets but also have some topics brought to our attention. For example in 2008 a review of the Crime Act removed reference to the death penalty for treason. This one slipped by us and we amended the information after our attention was brought to it. That was much appreciated.

Operational Guide - A lot of work has gone into creating a practical Operational Guide. This represents a step by step approach from thinking about setting up a group, right through to maintaining it or even what to do if it is to wind up. The plan is to have this available on the website as soon as possible, after the Delegates have had a short time to review. From then on, it will be reviewed and added to every year and I hope will go a long way in helping communities take a lead in developing their own groups.

Getting Started - We have a new page on the website - "Getting Started" and is a brief overview on where and how to start a group. It's meant to be brief and is a one pager.

Affiliation - This is an important step in partnership working. Most community Neighbourhood Support groups will already be affiliated through their Area and District set-up and don't need to do anything. However, 3rd parties are not necessarily affiliated. Trusts and Councils still need to affiliate and access to resources comes with affiliation. Affiliated parties will get precedence over non-affiliates.

Trade Marking - Neighbourhood Support New Zealand succeeded in Trade Marking "Neighbourhood Support". This was difficult and was not successful on the first attempt. However, it was successful on the second occasion, supported by evidence spanning 10 years use of the phrase as our name. The objection period expired on 31 October 2009. In real terms, non-affiliated groups now need permission to use the name of Neighbourhood Support. This comes with affiliation and the process is easy to complete.

Board Meeting - November 2009

I think it is worth a mention that although we had 4 delegates missing from our meeting, the attendance was massive. Some 18-21 people attended our meeting. Numbers fluxed during the day due to other commitments but nevertheless, I was genuinely enthused that our meeting is treated in terms of evolvement, planning and strategy (awful word). Some delegates were accompanied by either a local police officer or a member of the local council. Assistant Commissioner Jon White addressed the Board and answered questions that were put to him. We appreciated Jon's time as he agreed to join us at the very last minute.

Minutes from this meeting will be posted as normal on our website on the dedicated page. All minutes, rules and available resources are posted on the national website when available. Please check on a regular basis for reports on resource availability, news and events.

Next Board Meeting

Two days have been booked at Police College in Wellington - 9th and 10th February 2010

Good News

I'm pleased to say that I have pages of them and in order to keep this newsletter to a reasonable size - I've decided to devote a December issue to them, in keeping with the community feel that Christmas brings with it.

Newsletters and E-Watch

Simply keep them coming. I now regularly receive updates, newsletters, E-crime Alerts etc from a host of groups from all over the country. It is import to see how the message is conveyed to the community. The number of emails that the Secretary and I now receive as a result of people referring to the website is increased hugely. Long may it continue.

Website

The administering of the website (www.ns.org.nz) is one of my roles. It's time consuming but necessary. I try to gather as much relevant and topical Neighbourhood Support newsworthy issues that I can given my own limitations. I keep the contacts and email routing up to date and review them as frequently as I can. Email addresses are hidden due to email address harvesting practices that we then have to take care of. Please don't be put of by the drop down box that appears when you wish to email a Delegate or contact person. Your message will get to them.

Keep information coming and if you start up your own website - drop me a line and I'll seek to put a link from our site - to yours. There is not an onerous quality check. However, you will need to ensure that comments or blogs held on your website do not breach acceptable behaviour and at all times should underpin the objectives of Neighbourhood Support New Zealand and partner agencies.

Visits to the website have increased five-fold over the last 12 months. I still aim higher than the 1500 individuals who now access our information each month - this figure only counts a person as one visit even if they use the same computer everyday for a month.

And finally.........

That's the end of this issue (thank God I can hear some of you utter!). Issue 15 will be out in early December and will be 90% dedicated to your stories. If you have not been mentioned here or your story does not appear in the December issue - did you tell me about it? If not - you know what to do next time.

Heoi anō

Roger
National Manager
Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
27/11/2009