Neighbourhood Support is a non-profit community organisation that is about creating safe, resilient and connected communities.

We work alongside local organisations including the police (where I have an office), Community Patrol, FENZ, and Age Concern, just to name a few.

We support and assist residents in the community with things like neighbour disputes, connecting people with other groups that specialise in their problems, supply information and do presentations to community groups.

We participate in local events. Every March we organise a free Neighbours Day with the support of Horowhenua District Council to get the community together and showcase local organisations, and provide as activities for the kids.

This is a large event and is well attended. We also organise monthly Coffee and Chat get-togethers with a different quest speaker every month. These are free to attend for members. We start by signing people up. If there are existing members in the street, we then have a street meeting so people can get to know one another. If you wish you can also be a stand-alone member.

It is free to join, and you don’t have to do anything. All information is confidential and held at my office at Levin Police Station. The benefits of being a member are:

• you receive a membership info pack
• you receive a weekly newsletter with crime report, Civil Defence information, safety tips, scams, weather warnings and much more.
• early notifications about our Coffee and Chat presenters
• free support and info about issues you may have.

We all want to feel safe and be safe, especially in our own neighbourhood, so:

1. if someone comes to your door that you don’t know, don’t let them in

2. don’t do business with strangers who come to your door or phone you

3. if you see or hear something unusual or suspicious, please call police

4. get to know your neighbours, as they are the closest people to contact if you need assistance.

If you wish to join and be part of an amazing organisation that supports its community, please email info@horowhenuansg.org.nz with your name, address, and contact details, or ring on 06 366 0574.

Deborah is district coordinator for Horowhenua Neighbourhood Support