Kia ora koutou katoa. Welcome to the July 2006 issue of the CPNZ newsletter. Kia ora everyone, The CPNZ Executive is pleased to send you the first new-look issue of its national newsletter, which will be distributed via email. We will try to publish four times a year - July, October, January, and April. If you can think of anyone else who might be interested in receiving this newsletter, please let them know about it. Also please notify us if you change your email address. Finally, please email your ideas about stories or articles to Maria Cowin at mariac@ihug.co.nz. Happy reading. --------------------------------- Well, he was described as "dogmatic", "persistent", "determined" and "dedicated" in various speeches by various speechmakers at this year’s CPNZ National Training Seminar in Rotorua. The comments were all said in tribute of course, and received accordingly. The man in question was Neil Sole, Chairman of CPNZ since its inception in 2001, who, towards the conclusion of the NTS announced to the 220 attendees his decision to take a "sideways step". Ian Pilbrow of Taupo now takes the Chair and we welcome him to the seat - but Neil promises to never be far away; in fact, the two men say they will likely end up working side by side, sharing some duties. The announcement of the changing of the guard was no doubt one of the more dramatic moments of the NTS, but the three-day conference was also highly peppered with laughter, smiles, hand-shakes, the sharing of information and knowledge, learning, and the deserved acknowledgement of ordinary New Zealanders doing extraordinary things to help preserve the fabric of kiwi society. Firstly, thank you and congratulations to Ngongataha and Western Knights patrols for an incredible job of organising this year’s NTS. It was sensational. The traditional Māori welcome on Day 1 set the stage for things to come – stirring, passionate, evocative, and thought provoking. In my opinion, no one extends a pōwhiri and performs kapa haka like the tangata whenua of Te Arawa, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one in the room with goose bumps. The NTS was honoured this year by the attendance of the echelon of the New Zealand Police and other local and international dignitaries. Police Minister Annette King, Commissioner Howard Broad, and Police Association President Greg O’Connor were guests of honour, leaving no doubt about the credibility of CPNZ as a viable organisation. However despite the presence of the “top brass” at the training seminar, all honours and accolades were clearly reserved for those of you in community patrols throughout New Zealand. This was my first CPNZ meeting, and frankly, I was blown away. I had no idea of the passion, dedication, commitment, and truthfully – wide age demographic – of the volunteers, so I came away with a great respect for CPNZ. So on behalf of my two young children and myself I thank you for the work you do for law-abiding and decent New Zealanders. We are indebted to you all for your unconditional efforts to help make New Zealand a safe place. By Maria Cowin, Editor - |
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As a Northlander I couldn’t help but notice that New Zealand’s northernmost region does not yet have a representative on the Executive, but as a New Zealander it is heartening to see that by and large this really is one Executive that is truly national, with members spanning almost the entire country. First of all from everyone in CPNZ, a HUGE kia ora / thank you to Neil
Sole for your Chairmanship over the past five years; congratulations
and good luck to Ian Pilbrow on your new role; haere mai / welcome to
the Executive to new members Betty Van Rooyen (Nelson) and John Wallace
(Invercargill); and haere rā / farewell and thank you to outgoing
members Denise Ashworth (Wainuiomata) and Grant McKenzie (Taumaruni). |
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An empirical investigation based on study and observation of Neil Sole and Ian Pilbrow would likely reveal that they both enjoy a good laugh and a stiff drink (or two) after a hard day’s work. But empirical investigation aside, it is clear that Neil Sole and Ian Pilbrow have both earned the respect and support of the CPNZ National Executive, patrol members, NZ Police, and local and central government officials. Here is a summary of their addresses to the delegates…
Neil believes that CPNZ is motivated by a sense of responsibility for the local community, but also the fact that the community has certain expectations of CPNZ. “Even volunteers are not exempt from liability,” he said. Everybody needs to be properly and adequately trained for the task they are performing, including the Executive Committee, which strives to also meet performance objectives. Neil emphasised the importance of information flow, and denounced vigilante behaviour. Obviously overwhelmed and proud of the number of attendees at the NTS and members in CPNZ, Neil summed things up, saying: “It proves that community spirit, despite what some pessimists might claim, is not just alive, but thriving!” Ian Pilbrow “Along with his side-kick, Shirley - who, I might add, does all the work - they have opened their home and hearts to us all,” said Ian. Ian then outlined what he hopes to achieve in the next 12 months as chairman of the CPNZ Trust and chairman of CPNZ Executive. His goals include strengthened communication within CPNZ, including a confidential national database of all members, a minimum standard training package that would be recognised by the Police, and a specialised training package for members which would be recognised by the Police and Communications Centres – a move Ian says would help ensure the skill level of each volunteer is appropriate to the assigned task. He said the Executive members would also work on their individual portfolios, as well as pursue sponsorship opportunities for both our national body and patrols. |
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Annette King shared an anecdote about her first police experience in Rotorua in November 2005, in which she went out with a Police I-Car to a domestic incident and gratefully watched the ordeal from the safety of the vehicle. Commissioner Broad told the delegation that he sees CPNZ as an essential ingredient in a network of organisations that are comprised of caring individuals who contribute to the safety of their communities, and ultimately the country. He reiterated CPNZ’s role as the “eyes and ears” of police. Both speakers were obviously supportive of CPNZ. Furthermore, it would appear by all accounts that Neil's "dog-with-a-bone" approach to trying to secure extra Police support might have paid off, with Commissioner Broad offering his commitment to make further resources available to CPNZ. Stay tuned! |
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New uniform for temporary sworn jailer escorts Growth of CPNZ |
Something special from State Insurance.
Raglan Night Owl Community Patrol was one of three recipient patrols of this year’s State Insurance Patrol Car Package. Raglan Night Owl Community Patrol Chairman Don Sutton will be responsible for the day to day running and maintenance of the vehicle, which is being kept in a secure garage handy for all members. Coordinator Michael Gill hoped having a permanent vehicle would attract more members. Raglan Police liaison officer Dave Litton said the vehicle would increase the profile of the local patrol. It was a real treat to hear from Jessica Griffin, representative for CPNZ’s major sponsor State Insurance. Particularly happy with Jessica’s presentation were no doubt the 13 lucky patrols that received fantastic prize packages under the 2006 State Community Patrol Grants programme. The “Patrol Car Package” included a suitable second-hand vehicle, where possible, to be supplied by State, sign writing of the vehicle with both the Patrol and State logos, one year’s vehicle insurance with State, and $2000 toward patrol running costs. Congratulations to the following successful patrols who won the Car Package: Raglan Patrol, Papakura Community Crimewatch Patrol, and Hornby Community Watch Inc. The second package, “Running Costs Package”, included one year’s vehicle insurance with State, where a vehicle is owned by the patrol, and $2000 toward patrol running costs. Congratulations to the following successful patrols who won the Running Costs Package: Porirua Patrol, North Hamilton Community Patrol, Springs Community Watch (Inc), Whangamata Patrol, Papatoetoe Crimewatch Patrol, Havelock North Community Patrol, Pohutukawa Coast Community Patrol, Levin Community Patrol, West Hamilton Patrol, Pukekohe Patrol. Thank you to State Insurance from CPNZ for your ongoing support. |
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Aretha Franklin says it all in the classic “Sisters are doing it for themselves”, when she belts out those oh-so-true lyrics asserting that “behind every great man there has to be a great woman!” It is likely that “Aretha - Queen of Soul” was singing about Shirley Vincent, and Shirley’s unconditional, unending, untiring and unwavering support for CPNZ and her “partner in life”, great friend, and fellow National Executive member Neil Sole. The Katikati couple was taken by surprise – and, from what I gather, uncharacteristically speechless - at the NTS when Commissioner Howard Broad awarded them with Certificates of Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution to the Safety of New Zealand Communities from 2000 to 2006. With Neil’s fantastic contribution to CPNZ recognised, it was also fitting that Shirley’s incredibly vital behind-the-scenes contribution to the organisation was also acknowledged. Well done Neil and Shirley. |
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Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross (BOP Intel), Ian Pilbrow, Grant Board, Greg O’Connor, Snr Constable Roy Sanson, Superintendent Steve Christian, Inspector Gary Allcock, and Commissioner Howard Broad presented a very respectable and highly knowledgeable panel. While the panellists did not always agree on their responses, their comments certainly provided food for thought. Question topics ranged from whether community patrols should operate overtly or covertly, why community patrols should affiliate with CPNZ, how to deal proactively and effectively with possible association of vigilante groups, how to deal with negativity by actual police members toward the work of community patrols, improvements to the 111 system and the introduction of a single non-emergency number, whether statistical collection from the patrols is worthwhile and how the results are analysed, and thoughts on a nationally prescribed training standard that all community patrol members could aspire to. |
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Each issue we would like to acknowledge some of your successes from around the country. If you would like to share your successes, email them to mariac@ihug.co.nz Congratulations to Community Watch Hornby Inc, which had a success the very night after returning from Rotorua. The watch patrol located an 80-year old gentleman who had been reported missing from an elderly persons home at around 9 pm. Police have thanked the patrollers, and said that had the man not been found it is very likely that he could have perished in the cold; the night he went missing was the night after the big snow falls in the area. Kawerau Citizen’s Patrol received some outstanding media coverage in The Whakatane Beacon on 30 May. A story entitled “Patrol is eyes and ears in fight against crime” by journalist Diane McCarthy about the patrol was one of two articles in a half page spread about safety in the Kawerau community. Kawerau Police Senior Sergeant Mark van der Kley was photographed with three members of the Kawerau Citizen’s Patrol.
In the second story – “Police praise community for making Kawerau safe”, Senior Sergeant van der Kley credited a number of community organisations, including Kawerau Citizen’s Patrol – for their efforts in bringing crime in the area down. “We (the police) are doing a good job, but we are only a small part of the equation. There are many people in Kawerau who are working hard to keep crime down,” he said. In the story the patrol also added it is always on the lookout for new members. Well done on your proactive media approach, Kawerau. Other Stories and Conference Highlights.
To read these, please visit: http://www.communitypatrols.org.nz/speeches-2006.html |
Visit our website: http://www.communitypatrols.org.nz |
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©2006 Community Patrols NZ. All rights reserved.
Neil
Sole
Annette
King is the first Police Minister to have attended a CPNZ training seminar. Howard
Broad has only been Police Commissioner since April. Indeed to
have them both at the opening of the NTS was a coup for the CPNZ Executive,
and seminar organisers Ngongotaha and Western Knights patrols.
An
eight-member panel fielded some interesting and thought-provoking
questions from the floor at this year’s NTS in Rotorua.
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