Press Release

Neighbourhood Support Auckland

Come on Auckland let’s get real about crime

Kevin Hicks, Chairperson of Neighbourhood Support Auckland has taken a swipe at apathy in the organisation’s latest newsletter. “For at least the last two years the government has been signalling that it cannot solve the crime problem alone and it is up to us citizens to do our part.” He says. “We need to stop complaining and expecting others to do it all for us and take ownership of this problem”.

Kevin believes that Neighbourhood Support in Auckland is at a crossroads – it can become the unified force in fighting crime that we all believe it can be, or it will remain a hobby that a small number of dedicated volunteers and householders do in each suburb. “It is OUR choice”, he says. He frankly admits that he was once one of the apathetic ones. “I was apathetic about crime. Too busy working hard and bringing up my children. But when I lifted my head up the country had changed into something I don’t want my grandchildren brought up in. I have overcome my apathy. Our small band of volunteers have recognised the problem and have stepped up to the plate, but they cannot do it alone. We cannot continue without a large commitment from the community we serve – the police cant, the government cant and WE can’t. We need a large contingent of active volunteers to step up now”.

Neighbourhood Support is an organisation which represents the “silent majority” who support the police and the work they do. They work closely with community police to reduce crime and the fear of crime by setting up inclusive neighbourhood support groups where all people are welcome and are encouraged to get to know and support their neighbours. By doing this we come to learn that everyone shares the same concerns about crime and that together we can make a difference to each other’s lives. The opinions expressed here are those of Neighbourhood Support Auckland City Inc., and its Chairperson Kevin Hicks, and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Neighbourhood Support New Zealand movement in general.

The newsletter may be viewed at http://auckland.neighbourhoodsupport.com/newsletters/2009-03-25.pdf

ENDS

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