Golden days for support group

Members of an organisation dedicated to community safety are glowing with gold.

Manurewa Neighbourhood Support won three golds at the national organisation’s recent inaugural awards.

Chairwoman Colleen Brown says less than four years ago the group was "virtually not functioning" so to take home a trio of awards is a great result.

"That’s special."

One of the awards it received was in the Working Partnership category for its collaboration with the NZ Housing Foundation at the Waimahia Inlet special housing area in Weymouth.

Brown says she approached the foundation’s Waimahia project manager Greg Freeman to see if he was interested in introducing Neighbourhood Support in the subdivision.

"We had a meeting for the residents with police and Greg supplied the food.

"It was amazing. We said we can do this together."

Lynette Douglas oversees Neighbourhood Support in Waimahia Inlet what makes this so and works with Freeman to identify potential street co-ordinators as soon as they move in.

She says members communicate through a private Facebook page and by text message.

"We’re able to pick up people who are passionate about community.

"The co-ordinator would give them [ new residents] Neighbourhood Support and welcome packs containing stickers and contact information.

"Once people understand the reason behind Neighbourhood Support and what it’s all about they’re open to it."

Street co-ordinator Hanna Malele says people who buy in the subdivision are getting more than a house.

"We’re buying a community as well. Most people here want to be involved and it brings people together.

"A lot of people don’t know what’s happening next door but I know what’s happening in about 120 houses."

Freeman says group members in the inlet are quick to respond to suspicious activity.

"There may be a group of youths walking down and by the time they get here people are already on Facebook saying ’look out’.