Sikh Community Take Lead Role In Takanini Crime Patrols

Friday, 18 April 2025, 1:14 pm
Article: Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter

One of Auckland's southern suburbs, Takanini, has launched a new Community Patrols New Zealand (CPNZ) branch.

Driven by the Sikh community and some local volunteers, the initiative is being backed by Auckland Council and police.

The grassroots effort aims to put more eyes and ears on the street as residents report growing concerns about crime.

Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib hosted the launch on Monday, at which speakers described the community patrols as a turning point for a fast growing suburb.

Car dealer Mahindra NZ has sponsored two new vehicles to kick off operations, with support and coordination from the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand.

Local MP Rima Nakhle called the gesture "mind-blowing", noting that law and order top concerns during her campaign.

"This is part of the solution. It's a whole-of-community approach working alongside police," she said.

Manurewa–Papakura Ward councillor Daniel Newman says the patrols signal a wider shift toward community-led safety. While Auckland Council doesn’t directly fund the vehicles, he credits the Sikh community and other funders for stepping up. "Every issue that occurs in other communities occurs here too. This is about locals taking the lead in protecting their own neighbourhoods."

Superintendent Shanan Gray, District Commander for Counties Manukau, officially launcheed the patrols and praised the collaboration.

"This is a huge accomplishment that reflects months of hard work behind the scenes. Our staff can’t do it alone – these volunteers are our eyes and ears."

The patrols also serve as a recruitment pathway, helping diversify the police force with candidates who already know their communities. "We've had patrollers graduate to become officers. Others are preparing now. This is how we build capacity from within," says CPNZ Chair Chris Lawton during the launch.

Also speaking at the launch was the Minister of Police and Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell.

"Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. Police are always expected to fix the problem, but they can’t do it alone. What we’ve seen here in Takanini is a community stepping up – ethnic leaders, volunteers, council, and police working together. That’s how we make our towns and cities safer," he said.

The minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Sikh community: "I want to thank the Supreme Sikh Society for their generosity and vision. They’re not just supporting their own community – they’re helping everyone in South Auckland feel safer. This is the kind of leadership that inspires change nationwide."

Marshal Walia, spokesperson for the Auckland Indian Retailers Association, says the new patrols give local business owners more confidence. "We've seen a rise in retail crime, and knowing there will be patrols on the streets makes us feel a bit safer," he says. "These cars will play a backbone role in reaching areas faster, especially when police can't respond immediately."

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