Meet one of Otahuhu's local heroes. He's determined to make residents feel safe again by lending a helping hand, reports Joseph Barratt
Looking out over his troubled street, Tui Kolone has seen what a difference closer communities can make.
He could see that Otahuhu needed to go back to being the town
it once was - neighbours greeting each other as they walk down the road, younger people respecting the streets they live on and a greater sense of security for everyone.
Not sure how to bring this about, Mr Kolone went along to a meeting in Glen Innes with a group of people that operate under the name of Safety Net. He'd heard about the positive effect Safety Net had had in Glen Innes.
For example, the group keeps an eye out near ATMs on superannuation day because elderly people were becoming targets for attackers. Members would drive people home if they locked their keys in the car. Graffiti in the community was removed almost before it dried. Locals tackled local issues.
Inspired, Mr Kolone and fellow resident Siiri Wilkening launched Safety Net in Otahuhu seven months ago, and recruited other like-minded residents.
``It's still early days, and we only have about 10 members, but we are growing.'
So far, the response in the community has been great, says Mr Kolone.
``People really appreciate the little things you can do for them.
``We focus on doing those little, everyday things. For example, I chop firewood for the older guy down the road.'
Mr Kolone says the group will be able to do even more as the movement grows and more members join.
``There is no point waiting for politicians to solve these issues. The people in the community are the ones that know what the problems are and what's needed.'
Despite Otahuhu's Safety Net being so new on the scene, Mr Kolone is keen to launch it elsewhere in South Auckland.
``I would like to see it expand into Mangere, Otara and everywhere really.
``I just need to find people in those areas that want to be involved in starting it up.
``We can't operate one in Otara from here. It's got to come from those communities. But we can offer them that support to get them started.'
More information, email: otahuhusafetynet@hotmail.com
