Iwi link with Crimestoppers

This poster is the first in a campaign to promote Crimestoppers in the Eastern Bay. Photo / Supplied

Preventing crime and reducing the risk of harm among Maori in the Bay of Plenty is at the heart of a campaign launched by Crimestoppers.

The campaign has been initiated and driven by Eastern Bay of Plenty iwi amid growing concerns for their communities and the desire to reduce the numbers of Maori victims.

It is also supported by police.

Crimestoppers is a free anonymous service allowing people to report crime without any fear of reprisal.

Founder and chairman of Crimestoppers New Zealand, John Perham, said forums held in the Eastern Bay revealed that people viewed Crimestoppers as a "nark" hotline, rather than a tool to assist in the prevention of crime.

"Those forums also provided us with some incredibly honest and frank feedback and ideas which have proved invaluable for the campaign," he said.

"It was clear from the focus groups that Maori are not blind to the issues their communities face. They really want to help make a difference and appreciate being asked to be part of the solution.

"Those who took part in the focus groups were really clear about what words, language and imagery would have the most impact on their communities and we are extremely grateful for their input ."

The campaign will initially focus on road risk, especially among young men. Future campaigns are expected to include family violence and alcohol misuse.

"The initial advertisement to launch the campaign has been designed by Crimestoppers utilising feedback from the focus groups. Through police iwi liaison officers we will continue to work with Maori communities encouraging them to become actively involved in the campaign, creating their own imagery for future advertising material," Mr Perham said.

Bay of Plenty Police prevention manager Inspector Scott Fraser said it was a "great initiative" and pleasing that it had been initiated by Eastern Bay of Plenty iwi.

"We stand to have much stronger and safer communities if we all play a part in preventing and solving crime together.

"We recognise that some people may not feel comfortable contacting the police, even anonymously.

"Crimestoppers not only provides complete anonymity, it operates independently of police and is a valuable mechanism for us to capture information that might not otherwise come to our attention."Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.