Keeping Waiuku Safe - Talking Community Patrol with Our Seniors

I had the privilege of speaking at the Waiuku Senior Citizens Club last week, representing the Waiuku Community Patrol. It was great to share with members the work our volunteers do to help keep Waiuku safe and to answer their questions about how we operate.

The Community Patrol is entirely volunteer-run, and contrary to what some people think, we don’t receive Police funding. We rely on community support, grants, and donations to keep our patrols running - and every kilometre we drive is time given freely by locals who care deeply about our town.

Our work is all about prevention. By maintaining a visible presence on our streets, we help deter crime, assist Police with information when needed, and keep an extra set of eyes on the community. Whether it’s patrolling residential areas at night, keeping watch around local events, or helping during emergencies, every patrol makes a difference.

As someone standing for the Franklin Local Board, I believe groups like the Waiuku Community Patrol are a vital part of keeping our community safe - and they deserve stronger support from local government. Volunteers can only do so much on goodwill alone. Council has a role to play in helping community-led safety initiatives with practical assistance, funding opportunities, and advocacy for resources.

It was great to hear from the Senior Citizens Club about the issues that matter to them, and their support for the work we do was really encouraging.

If I’m elected, I’ll continue to push for better recognition and support for groups like the Waiuku Community Patrol, because keeping our community safe is something we all benefit from - and something worth investing in.

If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, you can find Waiuku Community Patrol on Facebook & Instagram - we’re always looking for more volunteers.