North Harbour Community Patrol

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North Harbour Community Patrol

North Harbour Community Patrol, trained volunteers working with Police keeping communities safe.

North Harbour Community Patrol cover all suburbs of the North Shore to reduce crime and build safer communities. Free training is given to patrollers who volunteer for one or two 4 hour night patrols a month, or day patrols. Applicants must be over 18 years of age, have a full clean drivers licence, pass the police vetting, complete application forms, supply several forms of ID and pass a personal

interview. All our instructions come from our close relationship with the police, both as a national group (CPNZ - Community Patrols NZ) and as a local North Shore group based at the Waitemata East Policing Centre.

16/08/2026

NHCP would like to give a huge thank you to the North Harbour community for coming out to support our Safer Plates event on Saturday.
In just three hours, our team serviced over 75 vehicles — that’s an average of one vehicle every 2.4 minutes.

A massive well done to our volunteers and the supporting organisations who helped make this a truly community‑driven event.

See you at the next one… watch this space.

06/08/2026

🚗 Protect Your Number Plates for Free! 🔒

Here's a great community service for all vehicle owners on the North Shore.

With number plate theft on the rise, now is a great time to replace your standard number plate screws with tamper-resistant security screws. These specially designed screws make it much harder for thieves to remove and steal your plates, helping protect you from the inconvenience and potential misuse of your registration plates.

Come along to Westfield Albany, meet members of the North Harbour Community Patrol, learn more about who we are and the work we do in our community, and let us install the security screws on your vehicle free of charge.

This community safety project is proudly supported by North Harbour Community Patrol, Westfield Albany, and New Zealand Police, and is available to everyone in the community.

See you there! 🚙💙

02/08/2026

📢 Public Transport Safety on the North Shore 🚌

There’s growing concern across the Shore about safety on buses and at hubs like Albany and Hibiscus Coast. Incidents of antisocial behaviour, fare evasion, and aggression are making some commuters feel uneasy — and everyone deserves a safe, calm journey.

If you find yourself in a tense or unsafe situation, here’s the best course of action and a reminder of your rights:

🛑 If You Feel Unsafe
• Move Away & De-escalate: Don’t engage or escalate. Prioritise your safety.
• Tell the Driver: They can contact AT Operations and emergency services instantly.
• Use Station Help Points: At Busway stations, press the orange emergency intercom for 24/7 security support and live CCTV monitoring.
• Report Discreetly: For non-emergencies, free text details to 4030 (Crime Stoppers NZ). You can also use the Report feeling unsafe feature in the ⁠Auckland Transport Mobile App.
• Emergency: If there’s an immediate threat, call 111.

⚖️ Your Rights
• Right to Safety: AT bylaws legally protect you from harassment, intimidation, and violence.
• Right to Assistance: Drivers and Transport Officers are trained in de-escalation. You can request that the driver contact control to dispatch security or police to the next stop.
• Right to Self Defence: NZ law allows reasonable force to protect yourself or others from immediate harm. Legislation: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1961/43/en/latest/sections/DLM328268/ https://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/chapter-33-common-crimes/assault/possible-defences-to-assault-charges/

🤝 Community Support
North Harbour Community Patrol volunteers regularly monitor major bus stations, providing visibility and reassurance. AT and NZ Police are also increasing Transport Officer and warden presence across the network to deter trouble and support commuters.

Let’s look out for each other. If you see something, say something.

👉 Want to help keep the Shore safe? We’re always looking for new volunteers to be the “eyes and ears” for Police. Message us to get involved or share community concerns.

💙 Stay safe out there, North Shore.

24/07/2026

🎣 Legal Fishing in Auckland - Know the law🎣
Protecting Our Marine Environment Starts With All of Us - a gentle reminder from North Harbour Community Patrol.

Auckland's coastline is one of New Zealand's greatest treasures, but it depends on all of us fishing responsibly.

Unfortunately, Fisheries Officers continue to deal with illegal fishing, including taking undersized fish, exceeding daily catch limits, fishing in closed areas, and harvesting shellfish from protected zones. These actions threaten the sustainability of our fisheries and reduce opportunities for future generations to enjoy our oceans.

Before you head out, make sure you know the rules:
✅ Check the legal size and daily bag limits for your area.
✅ Respect temporary closures and marine protected areas.
✅ Return undersized fish carefully and immediately.
✅ Never take more than your legal limit.
✅ If collecting shellfish, check both the legal limits and any health warnings before gathering.

Recent updates for Auckland fishers include:
• Since March 2026, temporary two-year closures apply to parts of the Hauraki Gulf, including areas around Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay, and the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. The collection of shellfish, seaweed, and other intertidal marine life is prohibited within these protected areas to help restore marine ecosystems.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/fishing-rules

Before you head out, download the free NZ Fishing Rules app from Fisheries New Zealand (MPI). It provides up-to-date size limits, bag limits, closed areas, species identification, and lets you report suspected poaching. It’s the easiest way to stay compliant.

Download the NZ Fishing Rule app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. (Links in comments section)

If you witness illegal fishing or suspicious activity, report it to MPI Fishery Officers as soon as possible. Prompt reporting helps protect our shared marine resources.
Healthy fisheries don't happen by accident. Every legal catch, every released undersized fish, and every person who follows the rules helps ensure Auckland's incredible fishing remains available for generations to come.

🌊 Fish responsibly. Respect the rules. Protect our future.

18/07/2026

🍺 Alcohol Bans in New Zealand – Know Before You Go

Did you know that drinking alcohol in a public place isn't automatically illegal in New Zealand? Many people are surprised to learn that it is only an offence when you are in an Alcohol Ban Area (also known as an Alcohol-Free Zone).

🚫 What is an Alcohol Ban?
Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils can create alcohol bans in public places to control the consumption, possession, or bringing of alcohol into specified areas. These bans can also apply to alcohol inside vehicles within those areas.

Alcohol Ban Areas may include:
✔ Streets and town centres
✔ Parks and reserves
✔ Beaches
✔ Car parks
✔ Public event areas
✔ Vehicles located within the restricted area

Some bans operate 24 hours a day, while others apply only during certain times, holidays, or special events.

🍻 Where can you drink?
If there is no alcohol ban in place, drinking alcohol in many public places is generally legal.

Alcohol bans generally do not apply:
✔ Inside licensed bars, restaurants and cafés
✔ At events operating under a valid liquor licence
✔ When transporting unopened alcohol in permitted circumstances (for example, taking alcohol home from a supermarket)

🚧 Don't rely on signs alone
Alcohol Ban Areas are often marked with signs, but the absence of a sign does not automatically mean an area is not covered by an alcohol ban.
Signs may not be placed at every possible entry point or boundary. The most reliable way to check is through your local council's alcohol ban maps before consuming alcohol in a public place.

👮 What happens if you breach an alcohol ban?
Police can:
• Issue an infringement fine of $250
• Seize alcohol being held in breach of an alcohol ban
• Take further action if someone refuses to comply or other offences are involved

📍How do you check if an area has an Alcohol Ban?
For those of us on Auckland's North Shore, Auckland Council provides maps showing current alcohol ban areas, including local board areas such as:
• Devonport–Takapuna
• Kaipātiki
• Hibiscus and Bays
• Upper Harbour

💙 A message from North Harbour Community Patrol
Alcohol bans are not about stopping people from enjoying our public spaces. They are designed to reduce alcohol-related harm, improve community safety, and help everyone enjoy shared areas. Knowing the rules helps prevent unexpected fines and helps keep our neighbourhoods safe.

📍How do you check if an area has an Alcohol Ban?
For those of us on Auckland's North Shore, Auckland Council provides maps showing current alcohol ban areas, including local board areas; see the links below.

🔎 Check Auckland Alcohol Ban Maps:
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/licences-regulations/alcohol-bans-policies/alcohol-ban-maps.html
📖 Read the Auckland Alcohol Control Bylaw:
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/bylaws/Documents/alcohol-control-bylaw.pdf
📖 Read the legislation:
Local Government Act 2002 – Alcohol control provisions (Sections 147 and 169):
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0084/latest/whole.html
Section 147 of Local Government Act 2002https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/84/en/2008-09-17/

12/07/2026

NZ Home Security Cameras: What’s Legal (and What Isn’t)

With more cameras popping up around our neighbourhood, here’s a quick, no-nonsense rundown of what’s actually allowed under NZ law - and what could lead to consequences you didn’t intend.

* You can film your own property: Home CCTV used for personal or household purposes is generally exempt from the Privacy Act 2020. Incidental capture of streets or a neighbour's driveway while protecting your property is usually fine.

* There are strict limits: Do not aim cameras at places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside bedrooms, bathrooms, or changing areas. Intimate visual recordings and unlawful surveillance are strictly prohibited.

* Disable audio recording: Recording private conversations you are not part of may breach NZ surveillance and interception laws. We recommend turning off audio on outdoor cameras, as audio is often more legally sensitive than video.

* Be very cautious sharing footage online: Publicly posting footage to "name and shame" individuals can trigger defamation, harassment, or privacy law issues. The Privacy Act may apply if the individuals are identifiable. If you notice suspicious activity, report it directly to the Police via 105 instead of posting it publicly. Extra care is required when footage involves minors, as NZ law places serious legal protections on young people to prevent reputational harm.

* Footage requests: Neighbours may ask for footage, but you are not legally required to provide it. Similarly, Police can request your footage, but you generally do not have to hand it over unless they are exercising a specific legal power (like a search warrant). However, most residents willingly choose to assist to keep our streets safe.

* Register with "Community Cam": You can voluntarily register your cameras with the Police. This lets the Police know where cameras are located so they can quickly contact owners for help following an incident. The Police do not have live access to your cameras or recordings.

Quick Checklist:
- Aim cameras strictly at your own property
- Avoid filming private neighbour spaces
- Turn off audio recording functions
- Use visible CCTV signage to alert visitors
- Secure passwords/2FA and store footage safely
- Don’t upload images of suspects or minors to social media

Why Public Shaming Is Legally Risky: If the Privacy Act 2020 applies, key Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) restrict how identifiable images can be used:
• IPP 8 (Accuracy): Information must be accurate and verified before disclosure.
• IPP 10 (Purpose): Footage collected for home security cannot be repurposed for public embarrassment.
• IPP 11 (Disclosure): Releasing footage publicly is only allowed under specific legal exceptions.
• Crimes Act 1961 (s216B): Publishing unlawfully intercepted audio is a criminal offence.

Legal and Other Resources for Reference:
• Office of the Privacy Commissioner (Privacy Principles & IPP)
• New Zealand Legislation (Privacy Act 2020 & Crimes Act 1961)
• 1News: Online accusations of crime could breach privacy laws

Let’s work together to protect our neighbourhood while keeping our online space safe and lawful.

07/07/2026

Following on from our previous post. This ad was kindly sent to us by Auckland Transport to post on our page. Enjoy.

05/07/2026

Street Parking, Emergency Access & Community Safety
Why This Matters:-

During community patrols across Auckland's North Shore, volunteers are increasingly noticing boats, caravans, trailers and RVs being stored on residential streets for extended periods.

While many homes simply don't have enough room on their properties, long-term roadside storage can create unintended safety risks - particularly on narrow streets.

The biggest concern is emergency access:
Fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles rely on clear access to respond quickly. Large trailers and vehicles parked along both sides of the road can significantly delay emergency responders when every second counts.

Know the Rules:
Under the Auckland Transport & Auckland Council Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw 2025 and the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004:

- An unhitched trailer cannot remain on a public road for more than 7 consecutive days.
- Trailers and caravans parked on public roads must display a current WoF and registration.
- Parking on grass berms may be prohibited under Auckland Transport resolutions and can be subject to enforcement.
- Vehicles must not park within 6 metres of an intersection.
- Parking must not obstruct visibility, block emergency access, or create a safety hazard.

Possible Penalties:
Current infringement fees include:
* $70 for parking on a berm or obstructing a driver's visibility.
* $100 for parking within six metres of an intersection or on broken yellow lines.
Vehicles that present a safety hazard or obstruct access may also be towed at the owner's expense.

What Can Residents Do?
If you believe a vehicle is parked unlawfully, abandoned, obstructing visibility or restricting emergency access:

- Report it using the AT Mobile App, Auckland Transport's online reporting service, or by contacting the AT Call Centre.
- Ask Auckland Transport to assess the overall street layout and safety, rather than focusing solely on an individual vehicle.
- Raise ongoing concerns with your Local Board, which can advocate for parking reviews or changes to improve road safety.

Finding the Right Balance
Many residents legitimately need somewhere to store boats, caravans or work trailers, particularly as residential sections become smaller.

The challenge is balancing these individual needs with the safety of the wider community.

Enforcement officers also exercise discretion. A vehicle that appears to be in breach of the rules may have been moved recently, have the appropriate permissions, or not meet the legal threshold for enforcement. The objective should not be to issue more infringement notices, but to ensure parking rules are applied fairly to protect emergency access and public safety.

Learn More:
Auckland Transport & Auckland Council Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw 2025: https://at.govt.nz/about-us/bylaws/vehicle-use-and-parking-bylaw-2025
Auckland Transport Parking Rules and Road Rules: https://at.govt.nz/driving-and-parking/parking-rules/parking-and-road-rules

Together, we can help keep our neighbourhoods safe, accessible and ready for emergency services when they're needed most.

28/06/2026

Community Patrol: BEHIND THE SCENES:

Ever seen our patrol cars and thought, “Who are those people, and what are they doing out there at 11pm?” We aren't police or security guards. We are your neighbours - the retired teacher down the road. The tradie who lives around the corner, the pilot, the local business owner and many more.

Here is the lifecycle of a Community Patrol volunteer:

🔹 1. Joining the Team: A simple application followed by an interview, followed by a robust police vetting check for safety and trust.

🔹 2. Training: Online modules on safety and observation, then in-car mentored shifts with experienced patrollers. Once signed off, you’ll join the rotation roster.

🔹 3. On the Beat (4-Hour Shift):
• Two rostered patrollers per vehicle meet at North Shore Police Station.
• Arrive 15 min before start in uniform - branded shirt, high-vis vests, long pants, closed shoes.
• Log on directly with Police Central Comms - so they know we're out there.
• Review weekly police taskings and recent patrol notes, agree on a patrol plan,
• Patrols include known POI, crime hotspots, vehicle tampering reports, burglaries, or anything needing follow-up.
• We never intervene - we only observe, make notes and report anything illegal or unsafe directly to 111.
• End of the shift, return to base, log off with Comms, complete our reporting, and head home to bed.

🔹 4. The Engine Room: Some seasoned patrollers step into committee roles to manage budgets, maintain patrol cars, organise rosters, fund new gear, run our social media, and liaise with councils and Police. All while still doing patrol shifts.

🔹 5. Ongoing Growth: Bi-monthly training nights covering first aid, personal safety, and police crime trends. Designed to keep our volunteers confident, capable, and up to date

Why do we do it? Visible patrols stop crime before it starts. There is no better feeling than helping our neighbours sleep more easily. Simply giving back.

🚨 WE ARE RECRUITING! 🚨
We need fresh faces! Whether you want to patrol a few hours a month or help with behind-the-scenes admin, we’d love to hear from you.
https://northharbourcommunitypatrol.org.nz/volunteer/

Address

North Shore Police Station, 52 Parkway Drive, Mairangi Bay, North Shore
Auckland
0632

Website

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ongoing-operational-costs, https://northharbourcommunitypatrol.org.nz/

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