City Assist ambassadors hit Rotorua streets

ROTORUA 21.12.10: Rotorua’s City Assist ambassadors will be out and about this week following three successful summer seasons on the beat.

Returning for their second consecutive terms as City Assist team members are James Tapsell-Kururangi and Brendon Johnston, and this year they will be joined by Western Heights High School’s 2010 head girl Dana Gray.

Rotorua District Council community safety projects officer Amy Royston says the team have been undertaking training in preparation for hitting the streets on Thursday [23 December].

“Training involves an overview of various council services including parking, animal control, library, CBD liquor ban, and they spend time with police 'on the beat' learning how to spot suspicious or illegal behaviour.

“They also undergo an orientation of the CBD to become familiar with tourist attractions and other amenities, and receive self-defence training, just in case.”

Ms Royston says the trio is very enthusiastic and eager to start work on helping tourists and locals over summer.

“The main objectives of the programme are a combination of increasing visitor satisfaction and adding to community safety in the CBD. James, Brendon and Dana will patrol the city centre and surrounding reserves, acting as walking information centres. They also play an important ‘eyes and ears’ role.

“At least one ambassador will be rostered to work every day during the City Assist project, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.”

The Rotorua City Assist ambassador programme continues though until 1 April 2011 and is funded by the Ministry of Justice and coordinated by Rotorua District Council.

ENDS

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