POLICE NEWS
Plenty of good things happening last week
Kia ora koutou. Last week we had one burglary, one theft from a car and three cases of family harm in the Tu¯rangi area.
The burglary was from a building site in Motuoapa, and tools and other items were taken. In the car theft , a knife in the centre console was stolen.
We also had lots of good things happen. Two weeks ago the paper ran a photo of a wanted youth, Chevy Duff, 16. We received some information from the public about his whereabouts in Tu¯rangi. He was arrested and is remanded in youth custody in Auckland.
Last Saturday I was invited to a parenting programme for the Notorious Mongrel Mob members here in Tu¯rangi run by E Tu¯ Wha¯nau. It’s an eight-week course and several local members and their partners were doing the course. To pass you have to go to all sessions and it covers being a partnership, controlling anger, how to be a better parent, working with your kids and how to bond with your children. I see it as a real positive that these men are trying to learn more skills to help themselves and their families to become better role models for their tamariki.
On Sunday, I attended the Armistice Day commemorations at the Tu¯rangi-Tokaanu RSA with some really good numbers of returned and current servicemen attending and the public. There was a parade and a full commemoration service and then the mix and mingle afterwards so it was another positive event for our town.
On Monday night we had our Tu¯rangi Foodbank drive which was a real success. Maggie Stewart was in charge, assisted by Tu¯rangi’s chief fire officer Tangonui Kingi, and with the help of all the volunteers and the generous people of Tu¯rangi we were able to refill the foodbank’s cupboards to overflowing. That was fantastic and a real tribute to our community. A special mention to all our volunteers from the Tu¯rangi-Tongariro Community Board and Tu¯rangi Fire Brigade for their help.
Now, about drink-driving. This month hasn’t been too good, and we’ve been apprehended and prosecuting drink-drivers. We’re getting closer to the festive season with Christmas functions and barbecues so if you’re going to drink, you need to plan ahead. Think about how you’re going to get home without having to drive, get yourself a sober driver and be a responsible host. It doesn’t take much effort to do this. Remember, if you drink and drive, you’re an idiot.
Have a good week, Te Reipa.