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Bulletin Board Issue 11September-October 2008 FROM THE DESK OF ROGER EYNON Kia ora and welcome to the 11th issue of Bulletin Board. In this issue we celebrate the recent successes of our organisation locally and nationally. Apologies for being late with this one but I am happy to say that it has been for the best of reasons. Many new and exciting developments and achievements have been brought to my attention. November was a roller-coaster ride of trips, events, milestones and political change which meant that my bi-monthly bulletin has been a bit delayed. I am now 9 months into my role and relish the opportunities put in front of me that have the potential to add to community cohesion. We have enjoyed good progress in building and cementing relationships with our partners, namely New Zealand Police and Crime Prevention Unit with 2 fantastic landmarks in the awarding of a developmental grant from CPU to take NS training on the road amongst other things and Commissioner Broad signing a refreshed Memo of Understanding between NZ Police and NSNZ. Read on for the pre-festive season low down: You can contact me on: roger.eynon@police.govt.nz or ddi - 04 470 7022. This Bulletin Board is designed to give you a brief update on how things are progressing with Neighbourhood Support throughout the country. PLEASE PASS IT ON TO YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT CONTACTS Welcome on BoardTasman District - Kim MacDonald works out of Nelson and has stepped into the delegate post for her district. I originally met Kim whilst attending the joint conference in Auckland last June and she has replaced John Jefferies who has decided to stand down. We wish to thank and acknowledge John for the efforts he has put in over the years and trust his legacy will be there for all to see. I wish Kim the best of luck and am aware of her somewhat isolated positioning within our make-up but we keep her in the loop as much as we can. Bay of Plenty - Tauranga. A special mention to Lynn Morrison who has injected his own enthusiasm into Tauranga NS and has already Chaired a successful NS meeting on 16/09/2008 and then went on to Chair the AGM 30/10/2008 which was tremendously well attended. Resources are currently being despatched to Lynn and his team in order for Tauranga to "hit the road" running. Lynn has huge local support from his local team of Community Constables and NSNZ sees Tauranga as being a real hotbed of Neighbourhood Support networks for the years to come. Current Campaign - "TogetherNES"2008 campaign wrap upNSNZ took the opportunity to work alongside Nescafe, who are running a "TogetherNES" campaign from May 2008 and it is envisaged that this will be a 3 year campaign focusing on renewing neighbourhood ties and relationships, thereby, reinvigorating community spirit. All indications suggest that this will continue to be an excellent partnership with Nescafe and the "TogetherNES" campaign is planned to continue to 2010. The Christchurch City Council lead initiative of Neighbourhood Week (1-9 November 2008) was viewed as an ideal opportunity to draw a line under Nescafe's current year's campaign, reflecting on the benefits that were provided to the community and look at the options for 2009. This was hot on the heels of Nescafe providing resources to help NS groups coordinate small events in line with Neighbourhood Week. Resources were provided to:
ReportingMonitoring pilot - October 2008I am pleased to say that I receive or am apprised of the situation from these districts and areas on a regular basis: I receive monthly updates from:
I look forward to receiving similar updates from all districts during 2009. This is a crucial part of how NSNZ reports the good work that is being done. All districts have now been provided with the initial pilot template that provides a simple reporting method that satisfies the needs of our funders and partners. We have a contractual obligation to provide reasonably frequent figures that represent our membership. The consistent reporting measure is in households and that is how the Crime Prevention Unit and Police measure our success. Please be aware of this when completing your reporting returns. From April 2009 - I will be presenting these results to our partners as a measure of our membership and engagement with the community. That means that those districts/areas that have yet to embrace this process will not be represented in the report. It is a simple process and I am happy to discuss this matter at any time. I am sure that the information is already being held locally and simply needs to feed through. Neighbourhood Support should be able to demonstrate its strength in numbers at least once per year and prove how we calculate our membership. I requested that our delegates consider contacting coordinators who can contribute to this piece of work. This is achievable and I invite comment from any and all on this subject. Joint Working - CPNZ & NSNZBoth organisations co-exist and work to achieve the same goals - by reducing crime, the fear of crime and making communities safer. We do it in different ways but behind the scenes are very similar with good working relationships and support from NZ Police and Government. There isn't another joint conference planned until 2011 at the earliest due to CPNZ already having plans in place that are fairly well advanced without NSNZ as a key partner. However, for 2009 NSNZ will be taking training on the road to allow those who may normally miss out on practical experiences. In real terms, this "road trip" will replace a single central conference for this year but it is envisaged that it will become the template for an ongoing process. From 2010, we will look at holding a more recognisable conference type meeting with a view to providing practical and pertinent workshops or training opportunities but close to or within the same arena as CPNZ to allow for a sharing of resources on the day. This isn't set in stone but is desirable. Feel free to comment. Workshop ResourceI have decided to leave this section in for 1 more edition: If anyone would like to know more about the Business Plan presentation, send me an email: roger.eynon@police.govt.nz - and please include your address in case your email provider limits the amount of data coming in to your email in-box. The feedback from practical application of the business plan contents has been great with a number of groups or areas benefiting from a simple but well thought and logical approach. I have had some good practical feedback from individuals who have now found their own way of producing plans etc. However, I have also had a couple of examples where a request to produce a strategic plan or business plan was not fulfilled and the consequence was that the desired working relationship between local NS and another agency simply did not materialise. One of these examples is currently being revisited with a view to cement the original proposition. ResourcesMorris Cheer continues to both update existing and produce new fact-sheets in line with community needs and requirements. 2 new fact-sheets are now available for downloading:
NSNZ Security Checklist fridge magnet has been exhausted and will not be replaced - PUBC300. NS stickers (large ones) PUBC245 are no more but other similar stickers are still available. Plastic bags will disappear when exhausted for environmentally friendly reasons. (We may be able to consider something more appropriate in due course.) All Kiwi Cops stickers will also not be replaced as these were a one off order from some years' back. So - first come, first served. Also, please be mindful when ordering large quantities of resources. There may not be sufficient to meet your requirements at that time. It would be a good idea to make an enquiry early on in the process so that you are not disappointed. Next NSNZ Board MeetingTwo days have been booked at Police Headquarters in Wellington - 10th & 11th February 2009. The Board Meeting may be either one or both days depending on the circumstances. We await confirmation of our funding for such meetings and have applied for the first 6 months of 2009 in one go. The meeting of 25/11/2008 was a rearranged one and also held at PNHQ. The Board were able to meet with all representatives from Community Policing Group, a representative of Youth Development Services and the icing on the cake was to have Commissioner Broad sign the new Memo of Understanding in an informal morning tea environment. Department of Internal AffairsInter Departmental MeetingThe next meeting will be held on 4/12/2008 and Morris Cheer and I will attend. Morris attended the last one on his own on 16/10/2008 as I was in Kapiti at a local NS meeting. The MSD input is important for our purposes as it reminds and informs us of complementary services currently being delivered or produced for the benefit of a lot of our more vulnerable members. Our presence helps to focus other agencies on the fact that NSNZ has many strengths other than just plain crime fighting. Such as emergency management and the relationships that can be formed to help older persons regain their confidence and independence after a life changing experience. Significant Diary Entries10/9/2008 - MSD Wellington: Morris Cheer and I met with representatives of Age Concern re Older Person's Strategy 19/9/2008 - PNHQ Wellington: Attended CPNS Trust meeting 8/10/2008 - Attended South Island NS training strategy meeting attended by South island representatives 15/10/2008 - Parliament Building: Launch of "A MSG in Contxt": A programme introduced to highlight the dangers of texting while driving and the full effect that the consequences can have on family and community 16/10/2008 - Kapiti-Mana NS Group meeting 20/10/2008 - Met with new Victim Support CEO Tony Paine 20/10/2008 - Met with Jarrod Coburn from Resilience Trust 23/10/2008 - Introduction to and met with Auckland/Christchurch Buddhist Delegation accompanied by Pancha Narayanan, National President of New Zealand federation of Ethnic Councils Then we headed into November and that's for next time. Minister for JusticeSome of you may remember that I met with the (eventual) Minister before the general election was called. The Hon. Simon Power was the National Party speaker on Justice (amongst other subjects) at the time and it was not a surprise that he was handed the portfolio for Justice. A submission by NSNZ is with the Minister for consideration and approval. It is an essential part of our development and the means to which we would develop further joint working for the good of the community. Events ListThis is where I would like to include your contributions to the bulletin. It would be wonderful to list all the local activities and initiatives that NS groups get involved with and put them here. So - get typing and tell me what is going to happen, when and where. When it's all done - let me know what the result was and I will post it as soon as I can. International Volunteers Day 5th December 2009 Good NewsI've been regularly posting items on our website - so - keep them coming but here are a sample that are short and sweet or of significant interest: The first two are strictly November but they are important and topical - so here they are: Australasian Neighbourhood Watch - Annual Conference 2008Canberra 9-12/11/2008 Attended by Inspector Carey Griffiths, Acting National Manager Community Policing, New Zealand Police and Roger Eynon. What may have looked like a great adventure on paper turned out to be 4 hard days of equally hard work, heat and lengthy travel - culminating in a 14 hour trip back to Wellington with appointments and drive to Taupö the next day. Having said that, it was a tremendously worthwhile experience for us both, with Inspector Griffiths being nominated to join the Executive Committee as Vice President. I was nominated to and joined the Board as NZ delegate. it also gave me a chance to meet up once again with Ingrid Stonhill, my predecessor, in her Secretarial role to Australasian Neighbourhood Watch. The Australian Neighbourhood Watch model is different to ours as it is owned, funded and run by the territorial/state Police. I met representatives from all territories and have forged links with them all. We met the Simon Corbell, MLA Minister for Police and Emergency Services and paid our respects at the Capital War Memorial on Remembrance Day in the company of a number of dignitaries, including the Prime Minister. We were welcomed by Michael Phelan, Chief Police Officer, Australian Capital Territory and some serious business was conducted. All representatives presented a 10 minute "state of play" on their area (or Country). NSNZ holds up well given the vast funding cavern that exists funding and resources wise when compared to our Australian cousins. The Board meeting was followed by an AGM the next day. The day after, I stayed to observe the Executive Committee meeting (the only observer) and it was made very clear that I was included, had a voice in this forum and could use it at any time - which I'm sure you are glad to hear that I did and was able to provide modest gems from similar experiences. After we said our goodbyes and swapped emails, etc - I think Carey and I thought that we could be back at our desks by 3.00pm next day. Little did we know.........! Taupo - 15th November 2008Party in the Park 10am - 2pm at Tongariro North Domain. Attending organisations included Civil Defence with their rescue trailer, Taupö Fire Service, Community Patrols, Victim Support and NZ Police along with family activities and nibbles. After surviving the return trip from Canberra, a full day back at my desk working through best part of a week of emails, I set off along Highway 1 at the unfortunate time of 4.30pm from Wellington. By the time I approached the Desert Road - it was dark. So - 10.30pm and I arrive in Taupö to get my head down before taking in the event the following day. Thankfully, the weather was with us right from the word go and I arrived on the scene of Party in the Park. Joy Johnson had done a great job in pulling together an excellent representation of the agencies and organisations that look out for our wellbeing every day of our lives. The crowds had gathered early on with good reason as the Police Dog display promised to be a good crowd pleaser. It didn't disappoint and the speed, strength and tenacity of the dogs would put fear into any would be criminal. The message was definitely - "think again!" Otherwise - it may have been a case of: "go ahead - make my day - grrrr!" I managed to get round the stalls and have a good chat with the Community Constable grant Tulloch, Victim Support's Brigid (who later chased me down to tell me that she knew who I was as I was known to Cheryl who shares an office with Joy at Taupo Police station) and Civil Defence's Phil. Phil told me of their recent acquisition - an Arachnopod - which was a large metal apparatus that came in two large bits and was the kind of equipment that would be used to hoist people up from difficult terrain. This was acquired by raising $15,000 locally. It never ceases to amaze me that this kind of equipment isn't standard issue and is down to public donation. The sun shone and shone and in the end - it was time to depart but not before my wife and I were invited by Joy to have a trip in the Rescue helicopter. My first ever trip in one. It was fantastic. I will post some pictures on the NSNZ website from the event and flight rather than make this a difficult document to open by email. I saw about 300 or so locals attending but rather think a few more filtered through. Joy has great plans for next year and I'm sure this event will soon become an early Summer staple for Taupo. Sponsors for Neighbourhood Support VehiclesI am happy to advise that the following Districts have acquired vehicles for their use:
I will place an article on each on the national website as soon as I receive all the details. Local Group Newsletters & E WatchFrom my visits so far, a frequent comment from members is that local group newsletters are a valuable source of information. I receive the odd one myself in my capacity as National Manager, but I know there are more out there, doing the rounds. So.......let me have a copy from time to time to keep me informed too. Newsletters and email bulletins recently received from:
You can subscribe to NZ Police Community Edition "10-1" by visiting http://www.police.govt.nz and follow the prompts or go straight to: http://www.tenone.police.govt.nz/tenone/signup.htm NSNZ WebsiteWe are actively working to ensure that contacts and email routing are up to date. It does take a bit of maintenance to keep it correct and interesting. The site does reflect what is going on in the districts, how they do it and what the outcomes are. I also try and put a bit of best practice on there to help share what works well with all the groups around the country. Up to the end of October - I have managed to post 50 newsworthy items in the last 9 months - which compares favourably with a total of 10 items in 2006 and 2007 put together. Please help me present NSNZ in its true light and let me know about your group and initiatives. We have a limited number of links to local NS group websites and now only have one page where all news is posted and the archived material is at the bottom of the page. Nice and tidy in one place. Contact person changes are made as soon as practically possible. Best PracticeHow do we swap best practice? I hope it will be here as well as on the website. It may be that we take ideas from the good news stories or events list and results that are published, but feel free to offer gems that have a bearing on how we can do things better. If you are feeling left out because your story hasn't been included, simply send it in anyway. My aim is to share the activities of NSNZ around the country and let our audience know how we positively influence the community around us. The on the road training should make this a reality. The national site - www.ns.org.nz - carries frequent updates ranging from good news to best practice ideas. Please keep these coming! Thanks for reading and I hope there is something here for everyone. I wish you all a very Happy and Safe Christmas and New Year. If you are feeling left out.....you know what to do! Heoi anō |
