Media Release
10 September 2008

Manukau’s First Junior Neighbourhood Support Programme Launched

A programme to encourage community spirit and safety awareness among local children is being launched by Manukau City Council this month.

Junior Neighbourhood Support programme aims to encourage primary school students to have a sense of community as well as be aware of the safety issues that exist.

Safe City Portfolio Leader Dick Quax says that council shares Neighbourhood Support’s commitment to building communities that are safe, strong, caring and connected.

“We all know about the crime and safety issues we have in our city. We want to help communities become empowered to drive their own development and find their own solutions.

“We are committed to communities where people support each other, keep an eye out for each other, and give each other a helping hand. We hope that this programme will help instil and encourage those values and behaviours in our children.”

The programme works in partnership with Manukau City Council, the Police, the Fire Service, Civil Defence and the Manukau Beautification Trust, and is endorsed by Neighbourhood Support New Zealand. 21 schools in Otara, Manurewa and Mangere have signed up for the first year.

The objectives of the programme are to instil ’Neighbourhood Support’ values, to foster ‘Fire Wise’ and civil defence awareness, and to reward positive initiatives and behaviours.

Students can be nominated by teachers, church members, shop owners, friends or neighbours Some of the categories for nomination include: bike safety, preventing bullying, school or street clean ups, reporting graffiti, helping a neighbour, or getting their families to join a neighbourhood support network.

From those nominated each term four students are chosen to receive an award at their school assembly. Prizes include SkyCity Cinema and Westfield Manukau vouchers, and recognition certificates. At the end of the year one major prize will be awarded at each school.

The programme will be officially launched by acting mayor Gary Troup on 24 September at one of the participating schools, Manurewa East Primary.

ENDS

© Scoop Media