After three years, it’s back

Would you like to be a guardian of Ha¯wera?

After three years without, Ha¯wera will soon have a community patrol again.

However, there’s a need for volunteers.

Ha¯wera was one of the first places in New Zealand to establish a community patrol and Trisha Careswell, the current president of the volunteer group, said they’ve wanted to start one again ever since the last one split.

Eileen Flannery, the long serving volunteer, described patrollers as the ears and eyes of the police.

Senior Sergeant Kyle Davie said Ha¯wera residents, business owners and the wider public would all benefit greatly with the establishment of a regular patrol.

Volunteers report incidents to police, gather information, identify suspicious behaviour and patrol areas of concern.

There will be a community meeting on Thursday, October 19 at 7pm at the Ha¯wera Fire Station for those who are interested in volunteering, or want to ask questions.

At least 10 people will be required to establish the group.

Careswell said anyone was welcome to volunteer, however, you need to pass police vetting to join.

‘‘I know places who have got high school, 16, 17-year-olds out doing it,’’ she said. ‘‘They’re on with someone who is experienced.’’

The commitment is five hours a month on a Friday or Saturday from 10pm until 3am.

Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) Central District Chair Greg Canty said patrollers would be guardians of the Ha¯wera community. He said people should come along to the meeting and listen to what CPNZ representatives have to say.