Second Flaxmere meeting a success

Organisers Kelly Jessup (left) and Dale Ennor with Bert Lincoln sharing ideas and solutions towards the vandalism issues. Photo/ Duncan Brown.

The Flaxmere community came together at a second hui last night to discuss ongoing issues with vandalism.

The meeting followed on from the success of the inaugural hui which was spearheaded by locals Kellie Jessup and Dale Ennor.

This was prompted after residents became fed up with the anti-social behaviour by youth who had recently damaged properties and vehicles around the community.

About 50 people got together and formed groups, sharing ideas and forming solutions on how to tackle the issue.

Ms Ennor said the recent spike of vandalism was frustrating and she felt like they were stuck in the same place in a vicious cycle.

"We need to form ideas so we can encourage parents' input as they're the ones who need to stand up and ask for help."

Ms Jessup said it was about striking when the iron was hot.

"We just want to come up with solutions to get the ball rolling. We don't want it to die out when people leave the room."

The ideas voiced at the meeting last night included increasing community involvement in after-hour patrols, having more of a focus on events, making use of facilities already available, increasing lighting and cameras and closing the gap between different security groups.

Flaxmere councillor Henare O'Keefe said it was important to find out what resources were already available and bring them all together.

"We need to see what is residing with us and collaborate and work as one community. Flaxmere heal thyself."

The Te Aka Charitable Trust had offered the use of its building in the centre of the village to the Maori Wardens so volunteers could work night shift.

Currently the wardens finish at 6pm but they are proposing to open the building so people can keep watch in shifts from 6pm-6am.

Although more lighting, patrolling, police presence and cameras can help, Mr O'Keefe said at the end of the day the families need to step up and take responsibility.

"There is no such thing as a bad baby so we need to get to the heart of the problem and get back into the homes."

Ms Ennor was pleased with the turnout last night and was keen to get the ball rolling with the ideas presented.

"We need to take the kids off the streets and back to respecting their elders."

Another follow-up hui was likely to be held but it was not yet known when that would take place.