Crime fighters under threat

Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator Bruce Quedley Photo/Ben Fraser

They are the watchdog on our streets but, despite having more than 9000 members, Rotorua's Neighbourhood Support is on the brink of closure.

The charitable organisation recently lost its second co-ordinator, Ron Taylor, through resignation, and it now could be forced to close completely.

Chairman Pauline Evans said they needed to raise at least $30,000 a year to keep the organisation open. They had stripped back the organisation as far as they could, even reducing the size of the newsletter, but there was nothing left to cut.

"We've only running costs, wages, a car," Mrs Evans said.

"The basics. If we didn't have our accommodation [at the police station] we certainly would not be around now. A lot of people don't fund operational costs. It's a sad scenario.

"If we can't make it up, there's only one option. We would have to disband the organisation.

"Without funding we can't do what we do."

She said there were 9000 households that were members of Neighbourhood Support, which represented 37 per cent of the city.

"There's real traction. We're also very much envied by other towns. No one is doing it as well as we are."

The charity receives $40,000 a year through the Rotorua Lakes Council Partnership Agreement but Mrs Evans said that left a shortfall. They needed between $60,000-$70,000 each year. Many funding organisations do not subsidise operational costs.

Previously the group has employed two co-ordinators and an office manager but it now only has one co-ordinator - Bruce Quedley - and nothing in place for when he is on leave.

Rotorua police prevention manager Inspector Stu Nightingale said Neighbourhood Support was a valuable asset to police and the community.

"They are intrinsically placed in the community through the work they do," he said.

"They are vital to increasing public perception of safety and keeping it a safe city. They are very good around supporting crime prevention initiatives or, in fact, leading with crime prevention."

He said a recent arrest resulted from a member of Neighbourhood Support calling in to report a person acting suspiciously.

"Anything in the community that increases the public's ability to be safe has got to be supported. I appreciate the work they do."

Mr Quedley said there was a lot of community support for what Neighbourhood Support had achieved over the years.

"I'd like to see that continue. Without Neighbourhood Support people won't be aware of what's happening in their area. If we had to close, information wouldn't get out."

-Mrs Evans wants to hear from anyone who has any funding ideas or skills in presenting funding applications. Call Neighbourhood Support on (07) 349 9470.

Neighbourhood Support Rotorua

* Founded 1995
* Currently has membership across 9000 households, or 37 per cent of the district
* 750 businesses in business network
* Safeguard Your Handbags initiative
* Invisible marker pens project
* New Neighbourhood Watch signs
* Safer Plates project to come