Neighbourhood Support Kawerau

23/06/2026

Hi Team

This week Kawerau has coming up the Mobility Scooter Safety Session, Thursday 25th June, 12:30 - 2:30pm, at the Bert Hamilton Hall, 4 Porritt Drive. If you drive around using one of these you may find this very useful.

Lithium-ion Batteries:

These days, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere, from e-bikes and e-scooters to vapes and power tools. They are light, compact, and long-lasting, but can be a fire hazard if they are damaged, mishandled, or improperly disposed of.

Li-ion safety tips:

Do your research. Only purchase and use devices and equipment from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.

Only use chargers and batteries supplied with the device, or certified third-party charging equipment compatible with the battery specifications (same voltage and current).

Always charge e-scooters and e-bikes away from exits to ensure you can safely escape in the event of a fire. Where possible these should be stored and charged outside or in a garage, shed or carport, away from living spaces.

For smaller devices, such as vapes, phones, and laptops, do not charge these under a pillow, on the bed or on a couch – they can overheat and cause a fire.

Do not overcharge your batteries. When your item is fully charged, disconnect it from the charger.

Always store lithium-ion battery devices in cool dry spaces, out of direct sunlight.
Only get device repairs and battery replacements done by a qualified professional.

A working smoke alarm or a heat alarm should be installed in any room, garage or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly charged.

Crime this week:

15/06 Plunket Street, An electric scooter was stolen from a hotel on Plunket Street, CCTV footage has been followed up.

18/06 Liverpool Street, A Motorhome was broken into in a industrial area and food was stolen out of the vehicle

Police have caught a shoplifter, who is going to be appearing in front of the courts in regards to multiple shoplifting on Islington Street between the 04/06 and the 14/06

Remember to call 111 if you see a crime happening and 105 to report a crime that has happened.

Have a great rest of the week

Lyndal Kennedy (area coordinator Neighbourhood Support Kawerau)
027 353 4840

16/06/2026

Hi Team

June is National Volunteer Week 14th - 20th June, our community knows first hand the value and impact that a single volunteer can make in Kawerau. Imagine then how much can be achieved when several volunteers, or even an entire street or neighbourhood, decide to work together to achieve the same goal!

Just some of the huge amount of volunteers that should be thanked :-)

* The Kawerau Golf Club grounds keepers (making sure the course looks great)

* The Nani's and Helpers who help with breakfast club at the Kura, making sure our kids are fed before they start the school day

* The sports coaches and fundraising committees

* The Pae tapu (males who welcome visitors onto a Marae who are a collective group that works in unison to ensure that the historic and cultural knowledge is maintained and that the mana of the people is upheld during ceremonies)

* The Ringawera who hold such a vital role on the marae, working tirelessly behind the scenes to cook and prepare food for visitors

* To our Land Search and Rescue volunteers, who work hard to bring our loved ones home

* And to all the unsung hero's of our community of Kawerau.

MEN'S HEALTH WEEK WEEK: 15-21 June

Men’s Health Week aims to help you get right on top of your biggest and most important asset – your health.

The sole purpose at MHW is to get guys to think a little more and know a little more about their health. Encourage men to start with the small steps that can enable them to turn their health issues around.

Little steps can – and will – make big differences. You just have to start.

For one week in June each year MHW gets to remind us all of the small things men should be doing, the health routines you can understand and control. But guys, one week each year won’t cut it.

Living longer, more enjoyable lives takes a little work, are you all up for it?

Take those small steps and start.

Stalking and Harassment Laws

New laws now live to support Police in responding to stalking and harassment.
Stalking and harassment is a crime. New laws now give Police the power to serve a stalking and harassment notice or charge someone with a stalking and harassment offence.

The laws clearly define what constitutes stalking and harassment. If at least one specified act occurs, a notice can be served to tell the person their behaviour is unacceptable and explain any future specified acts may result in an offence and the person may be charged. The laws recognise stalking and harassment as a pattern of behaviour, rather than single events in isolation.

Stalking behaviour can escalate over time. The sooner you contact Police, the sooner we can step in to help you and stop it. You don’t need to face this on your own.

Crime for this week

11/5 Grey Street Stolen Brown Honda Civic 1997 QKZ211

12/6 Domett Street Someone has jumped a back fence from Tamarangi Drive and broken into a shed, stealing a hangi cooker and meat out of a freezer

25/5 River Road Someone has climbed a ladder and stolen the brass clapper (yes that is what it is called) of the church bell, this is a historic piece.

I hope you all have a great rest of the week

Lyndal - Neighbourhood support Kawerau area coordinator 027 353 4840

05/06/2026

Hi Team

Hope you all have had a great 2 weeks since the last update.

The beautiful leaves are falling everywhere at the moment around town, it always makes me remember when I was younger and our street of kids used to pile all the leaves on the road and ride through with our bikes, (I grew up on Ion Road so it was a slow street :-))

Crime for this week

22/05/26 Kirk Crescent Burglary

27/05/26 Burglary

30/05/26 Newell Street

On 25th June 12:30pm - 2:30pm there is a Mobility Scooter Safety Session, go along and have a cuppa and a chat at Bert Hamilton Hall, 4 Porritt Drive.

Be Visible and Be Safe
As the days get shorter and the weather becomes colder, it's important to make sure you can be seen when out walking, cycling, or exercising in the early morning or evening.

Wearing light-coloured clothing, reflective gear, or carrying a torch can help motorists see you sooner and reduce the risk of accidents. If you're walking a dog, consider using reflective collars or leads as well.

A little extra visibility can make a big difference. Looking after your own safety helps make our community safer for everyone.

Remember: If you can see a vehicle, it doesn't always mean the driver can see you. Stay bright, stay visible, and stay safe this winter.

Don't Hesitate to Call 111
If you witness a crime in progress, see suspicious activity that poses an immediate risk, or someone is in danger, call 111 immediately.

Police rely on information from the community to respond quickly and effectively. Many people hesitate because they think someone else will call, but your call could provide crucial information that helps keep our community safe.

Remember:

Call 111 when there is an emergency, a crime happening now, or an immediate threat to people or property.
If the situation is not urgent, contact Police on 105 or report it online.
If som**hing doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and report it. It's always better to make the call and let Police assess the situation than to say nothing at all.

Working together and reporting concerns helps make Kawerau a safer place for everyone.


Hope you have a great weekend

Lyndal, Neighbourhood Support Coordinator Kawerau (027 353 4840)

21/05/2026

Hi Team

There was a increase in commercial/business crime this week, which is not great.

Our local businesses are the part of our community, and recent business/commercial crime in Kawerau will be affecting people. Neighbourhood Support Kawerau is encouraging our community to work together to help protect local shops, workplaces, and services.

Here are simple ways we can all help:

• Report suspicious behaviour immediately to Police
• Support local businesses by shopping local
• Keep an eye out after hours and report unusual activity
• Encourage businesses to improve lighting, cameras, and visibility
• Share information through trusted community networks
• Remove valuables from vehicles and secure property
• Talk with neighbours and nearby businesses so everyone stays informed
• Promote positive youth engagement and community support

And I know I always say this but A connected community is one of the strongest crime prevention tools we have. Let’s stand together and support the businesses that support Kawerau every day.

Crime this week - minus the Commercial/Business crime

12/5 SH30 Stolen Hilux, Black 2008 ETP976

12/5 Holyoake Crescent Burglary (offender arrested)

15/5 Plunket Street Burglary (offender arrested)

16/5 River Road Stolen Jet Ski, white, black and orange seadoo 1196609 and the trailer number plate is 18M76

It is great to see Police continuing to make arrests in our community. In another recent incident, Police arrested three individuals — two juveniles, who will be appearing in Youth Court, and one adult.

The adult was allegedly wanted for a number of offences, including the theft of the vehicle involved.

Another positive week for our hardworking Kawerau Police team. Thank you for your continued efforts in helping keep our community safe.

There are plenty of leaves around the Kawerau area at the moment, and with the Autumn weather doing it's thing it’s a good reminder for everyone to check and clear drains near their property where it’s safe to do so.

Blocked drains can quickly lead to surface flooding and water build-up on roads and footpaths. A few minutes clearing leaves and debris can make a big difference for the whole community.

Let’s all do our part to help keep Kawerau safe, tidy, and flowing this winter.

Have a great weekend

Lyndal Kennedy 027 353 4840, [email protected]

15/05/2026

Hi Team

Winter is slowly creeping towards us at a rapid rate, hopefully you are all keeping nice and warm during the night.

In an emergency, our kaumātua and elderly neighbours can be some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Whether it’s a power cut, severe weather, flooding, fire, or an earthquake, a simple check-in can make a huge difference.

Neighbourhood Support Kawerau encourages everyone to take a moment to look out for kaumātua living alone or anyone who may struggle to get help quickly.

How you can help in an emergency:
Check in early – a quick phone call, text, or knock on the door can reassure someone and identify if they need help.
Make sure they have essentials – water, food, medication, warm blankets, a torch, and batteries.
Offer transport if needed – some elderly people may need help getting to a safe place, medical centre, or family.
Help them stay informed – not everyone uses social media, so sharing updates can be important.
Know who to contact – if you’re worried about someone’s safety, don’t wait. Call emergency services when needed.
Even small acts like helping bring in firewood, charging a phone, or checking a heater is working can help keep someone safe and well.

Let’s keep Kawerau connected.
In times of emergency, being a good neighbour could save a life.

Crime this week

5th May a compressor was stolen from a Onepu Springs Road commercial property

Between 1st and the 4th a Digger Orga and Drill Attachments valued at around 2 thousand and 5 thousand was stolen from a Tamarangi Drive address

Some good news for the community: an arrest was made in regards to a escooter been stolen, a individual has been arrested for recieving stolen copper and a individual has been arrested for supplying m**h, the individual had 20,000 dollars worth of m**h on him and also 17,000 dollars in cash on him when arrested.

If you know of anyone interested in joining neighbourhood support in Kawerau, please get in touch, I can email you a registration form to hand on if you are unable to come into the office, or pop one into your letterbox. It is free to join. :-)

Hope you have a great week

Lyndal (area coordinator) 027 353 4840

06/05/2026

Hi Team

Community Update: Inclusion and Kindness
Before the weekly crime report, we have a couple of important community reminders.

Celebrating New Zealand Sign Language Week
This week is NZSL Week, a time to celebrate one of New Zealand’s three official languages. It’s a great opportunity to learn a few basic signs—like "Hello" or "Thank you"—to ensure our Deaf community feels seen and included. Inclusion is what makes a small town feel like a big family!

Pink Shirt Day is Coming!
Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for Pink Shirt Day. This is our chance to "Speak Up, Stand Together, and Stop Bullying." By wearing pink, we show our commitment to creating a kind, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone in Kawerau, from our schools to our workplaces.


Reporting Crime: Who to Call
Crime in Progress: If you see a crime happening right now, or if there is an immediate threat to life or property, call 111 immediately.
Past Crimes: If you are reporting an incident that has already happened and there is no immediate danger, call 105 or report it online
Anonymous Tips: To provide information anonymously, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Kawerau Crime Report (28/04 – 29/04)
The following incidents were reported recently in the Kawerau area:

28/04 – Number Plate Theft: Number plates QGF120 were stolen from a Ford Ranger parked on River Road overnight.
28/04 – Stolen Vehicle: A black Honda Crossroad, registration KEU283, was stolen from a Norrie Street address.
28/04 – Burglary: A property at Lake Rotoma was broken into; items stolen include clothing, shoes, a laptop, and food.
29/04 – Burglary (Attempt): A break-in occurred at the Kawerau Wastewater Treatment Plant. The intruder attempted to steal cable wiring but was scared off by security in the early evening.
29/04 – Burglary: A fence was cut at First Gas on Paora Street.

Have a great rest of the week

Lyndal (area coordinator)

027 353 4840

05/05/2026

Be aware people.

SCAM ALERT!
Western Bay of Plenty Police are investigating incidents where people have received a scam phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer.
Acting Sergeant Gea Grilli is urging members of the Western Bay of Plenty community to be alert to the scam.
The 'officer' will call from an unknown number, and provide details in order to seemingly prove their identity.
They claim to be running an undercover operation into fraudulent bank notes coming from large banks in the Tauranga area, and ask people to withdraw money for evidence, with a script provided to answer any questions from the bank.
The scammer will then ask for several bank note serial numbers to determine whether the notes are fraudulent, and will provide a fake number for the victim to file an insurance claim.
The scammer then sends a courier to the victim's house to collect the money.

This is a scam. No legitimate police officer will ever ask you to hand over money, for whatever reason.
If you want to establish the identity of a Police Officer, ask for their full details and contact Police on 105. Tell Police you think you have been contacted by an officer and ask for their details to be confirmed.
Older members of our community are being targeting and Police urge anyone with older or vulnerable family and friends to make them aware of this unlawful activity.

Since 1 April 2026, Western Bay of Plenty Police have received 12 instances of this unlawful activity happening in the community.
We ask people to be vigilant, and to educate themselves on how best to protect themselves from these scams.

New Zealand Police will also never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, PIN, or passwords.
There are instances where legitimate police officers will contact you as part of their duties, but New Zealand Police will never ask you to withdraw money.
Remember:
Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, PIN or passwords over a landline phone call.
Trust your instincts - if som**hing doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.
If you are approached, check in with a trusted friend or relative.
If you are still uncertain or confused, ask for the officer’s details, hang up, contact 105 and request that officer call you back.
If you believe you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam or seem this situation may be familiar, please report the matter to Police and your bank.
Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: https://netsafe.org.nz/(link is external)
New Zealand Police

28/04/2026

Doing my "Recent crime on your street" letter drop this morning.
Keep an eye out for anyone suspicious behaviour and call 111 if it is happening now or 105 if it is a non emergency.

28/04/2026

Hi Team

Photo is of som**hing I enjoyed doing this past weekend :-)

FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE SCAMS

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace has become a popular and convenient way for our community to find great deals. However, scammers are increasingly targeting users, and it is important we all stay alert.

Over the past few weeks, there have been reports of suspicious activity involving fake listings, payment scams, and people not receiving items they've paid for.

Common scams to watch out for:

* To good to be true deals: If the price seems unusually low, it's often a red flag

* Fake profiles: New or empty accounts with little activity or no real friends

* Payment pressure: Sellers pushing for urgent payment payment before you have seen the item

* Items that don't exist - using stolen photos from other listings

Tips to protect yourself:

* Check the profile - Look at how long the account has been active, mutual friends, and previous listings

* Never send money upfront unless you fully trust the seller. Avoid bank transfers to strangers

* Use cash on pickup where possible, and inspect the item before paying

* Meet in a safe, public place - take someone with you if you can

* Trust your instincts - if someone feels off, walk away

If you notice suspicious behaviour or believe you have been targeted by a scam, please report it to Police

Lets continue to look out for one another and keep Kawerau a safe place for everyone

Crime last week:

17-04 Paora Street - Other Burglary - Copper taken

19/04 Hinemotu Ave - Stolen Vehicle - Blue hatchback 2014 Mazda Axela MWB910

27/04 Huia Crescent Te teko - Stolen Jet Ski Rego 5BR48

If you are wanting to register with Neighbourhood Support Kawerau, (it is free), flick me a email

I hope you enjoy the rest of the week, we have been having some great weather.

Lyndal Kennedy

027 353 4840 [email protected]

22/04/2026

Come along Kawerau community that can and help us with some plant pest control. Thank you Kawerau Beautiful with rolling with this initiative with Neighbourhood Support Kawerau

KAWERAU VOLUNTEERS TACKLE INVASIVE PLANTS FOR CONSERVATION WEEK

A community group in Kawerau is expanding its focus from litter clean-ups to tackling invasive plant species as part of Conservation Week.

More below ⬇️