Neighbourhood Support Kawerau

05/10/2026

Neighbourhood Support • 21st Sep – 28th Sept Community Update

Kia ora, team!
What beautiful days we have been having lately—the grass is certainly starting to grow quickly! Also with the warmer days comes… the sun so make sure to put on the sunblock 😊, I love seeing the new growth happening in the garden, and most of my seeds have starting germinating so I am excited about the flowers that will feed the bees and be great to look at this summer.

Community happenings
I am looking forward to attending the Bay of Plenty hui for Neighbourhood Support on the 14th. Play Week runs from 19 to 25 October, and I have been working behind the scenes to organise our Play Streets, which are planned to start towards the end of the month.
Keep an eye on your letterboxes for details about when this may happen in your zone. It should be fun and create a great space for each community zone to come together, play, connect and try something new. My son has made a handful of “gutter boards” which I am sure will be a great new experience for young and old.

Daylight saving has arrived — a good time for a safety check!
• Check smoke alarms, torches and emergency supplies.
• Check doors, windows and outdoor security.
• Check in on an elderly neighbour or someone who may need a little extra help.
• As evenings stay lighter, remember to remain alert around your home and neighbourhood.

Police safety reminder
If someone comes to your door saying they are Police and you are unsure: check that the vehicle is a genuine marked Police vehicle, ask to see their Police ID, and—if you are still uncertain or something does not feel right—call Police to verify who is at your door.
Look after yourself. Look after your neighbours. Look out for Kawerau.

Local crime summary • 21–28 September
Date Incident
21/09 Burglary on Bell Street, where a car was broken into and the ignition was tampered with.
21/09 A vacant property on Fenton Street was broken into.
22/09 Black 2007 Nissan Skyline, registration LJJ716, was stolen on Holyoake Crescent.
24/09 A cabin on Grey Street was broken into.
25/09 Black 2012 Holden Colorado, registration GJR848, was stolen on Blundell Avenue.
28/09 A vehicle on Massey Street was broken into and its ignition was tampered with.
11/09–21/09 A vehicle was stolen on Porritt Drive and found burnt out in the forestry the next day.

Join Neighbourhood Support Kawerau
Stronger, safer and more connected neighbourhoods start with people looking out for one another. By joining Neighbourhood Support Kawerau, you can get to know people in your area, share useful local information, take part in community activities and help create a neighbourhood where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Why join?
• Connect with neighbours and build a stronger sense of community.
• Receive local safety updates and practical crime-prevention information.
• Help neighbours prepare for emergencies and look out for those who may need extra support.
• Take part in local events, Play Streets and other community initiatives.
Joining is easy: email [email protected] with your name, street and the best way to contact you. We will help connect you with Neighbourhood Support in your area and let you know how you can get involved.
Together, we can help make Kawerau safer, friendlier and more connected.
Until next time,
Lyndal Kennedy
Area Coordinator

29/09/2026

Just a reminder that "Mental Health Awareness Week" is coming up on the 12th - 18th October 2026.

The theme is "Belonging Matters" simple moments, Deeper connections, Better mental health.

A sense of belonging doesn't only matter for ourselves, but also for those around us. Looking After Our neighbours and our mates matter. Showing up and being there when you're needed matters. Lending a hand and reaching out matters.

It's the small, everyday actions we take to nurture belonging that can make a real difference to the people around us and their Mental health.

20/09/2026

This month is our theme is Mental Health & Wellbeing… Top of the list when it comes to good health and wellbeing is having mates we can rely on and being part of a supportive community.

Feeling connected to your community means you’re less likely to feel isolated, and more likely to have a support system in place when you go through hard times.

Farmstrong is an initiative to help farmers, growers and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. The great thing about it? They have a wide range of resources that can be used by anybody - whether you live on a farm or in the city.

One of those resources is their ‘Live well grow well’ book, with stories of lived-in experiences and tips and tools to wellbeing.

Tell us your top tip to wellbeing in the comments below to go in the draw to win a Farmstrong prize pack, including a ‘Live well grow well’ book, drink bottle and beanie! For bonus entries, tag your tribe and make sure to follow us and Farmstrong!

For more ways to wellbeing head to: https://farmstrong.co.nz

16/09/2026

Hi Team

The theme of Neighbourhood Support New Zealand this month is Mental Health and Well-being, here are some things to think about

💚 Looking After Our Mental Health & Wellbeing
Our mental wellbeing is just as important as our physical health. Life can be busy, stressful and sometimes difficult, so it’s important to take time to look after ourselves and check in on those around us.

A few simple things that can help:

🌿 Get outside – A walk, some fresh air or spending time in nature can help clear your mind and lift your mood.

🤝 Stay connected – Have a cuppa with a friend, visit a neighbour or give someone a call. A simple conversation can make a big difference.

💬 Talk about how you’re feeling – It’s okay to not be okay. Talking to someone you trust can help you feel less alone.

🧘 Make time for yourself – Take a few moments each day to do something you enjoy, whether that’s reading, gardening, listening to music or simply having some quiet time.

😴 Look after the basics – Getting enough sleep, eating well, staying active and taking regular breaks all support our wellbeing.

❤️ Check in on your neighbours – You never know what someone else may be going through. A friendly “How are you?” or knocking on the door for a chat can make someone’s day.

Remember: You don’t have to face things alone. Neighbourhood Support is about neighbours helping neighbours, building connections and making our Kawerau community a safer, stronger and more connected place.

Crime this week:

07/09 - A Mitsubishi Triton vehicle was stolen from a Balance Street address, this was located the next day burnt out on SH 30 Rotoma.

08/09 - A vehicle was broken into on River Road overnight, nothing was stolen.

I have been having residents email me, expressing their frustration with the amount of skids and rubber left around out streets. This is not a good look for our town, and think about the consequences of if you are the driver of someone who is doing this and you end up hitting someone, there are many children that walk around our streets. Could you live with that?

Just a reminder that if you see a crime happening call 111 and if a crime has already happened call 105

Hope you have a great rest of the week

Lyndal Area coordinator Neighbourhood Support Kawerau

10/09/2026

HI Team

Reminder that the Crew of Keep Kawerau Beautiful are hosting a "Big Clean up" on the 20th September along with Rotary Kawerau.

Meeting at the Kawerau pools car park from 11:00am for registration. Gloves and bags are provided, All welcome, there will be a sausage sizzle from 12:30 - 2:30 and there are also spot prizes, head along to support this great kaupapa to keep Kawerau looking beautiful.

Crime this week:

2/9 Jervois Street Theft up to the value of $2000 or less

We also had 2 shoplifting events, one on the 28th Aug, Tarawera Court and one on the 4th Sep, Ranfurly Court.

Be observant when shopping. If you see anyone acting suspicious in any shop report to the store staff immediately. A shoplifter costs store owners money and we don't want to have them pack up and leave our town because they cant afford to keep replacing stuff that has been stolen.

At home remember to keep vehicles locked, remove valuables or place them out of sight, secure garden tools, bikes, and make sure your sheds are locked. Any valuable items, record serial numbers or mark valuable items so they can be easily identified and returned if recovered by police.

And just a reminder that September through early October is the ideal window to spray for Onehunga w**d in your lawn, I have just sprayed mine. ;-)

Have a great rest of the week, be kind to yourself

Lyndal - Area Coodinator Neighbourhood Support Kawerau

01/09/2026

Hi Team

Wow the bugs definitely got to me the last two weeks, I still have some lingering annoying side effects from the flu, but the light is at the end of the tunnel.

There seem to be plenty of coughs, colds and flu bugs making their way around our community at the moment. A few simple things can help protect you, your whānau and our more vulnerable community members:

🧼 Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after being out and about.
🤧 Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and wash your hands afterwards.
🏠 If you're feeling unwell, stay home where possible and avoid spreading it to others.
💧 Keep hydrated – drink plenty of water and give your body a chance to recover.
😴 Get plenty of rest – don't push yourself when you're sick.
🥗 Eat well – nutritious food helps support your overall health and wellbeing.
💉 Keep vaccinations up to date and talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you're unsure what you're eligible for.
❤️ Check in on our older neighbours and whānau – a quick phone call, text or knock on the door can make a big difference, particularly if someone is sick and living alone.
Hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene are important ways to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Remember: looking after ourselves is also looking after our community.

Keep an eye out for an invite to join our "Pop up Play Streets" happening specific areas of the community. This is a great way for children and community to come together and play in a safe space. I am aiming for starting these towards the end of the month. These will be street area specific.

Crime this week:

25/08 Burglary Break in at Mountain View Montessori back yard area. Paint and tools stolen

26/08 Burglary BOP Plumbing and Gas broken into overnight. Hot water cylinder stolen

30/08 Burglary Items stolen from tray out of the vehicle, including pipe laser, concrete sore, rotating laser and children rugby gear.

Stay healthy

Lyndal Area coordinator Neighbourhood Support Kawerau 027 353 4840

17/08/2026

Hi Team

🌍 Earthquakes don't send a warning – preparedness starts today. 🏡

Over the past few weeks we've seen powerful earthquakes strike countries around the Pacific Ring of Fire, including Indonesia, Colombia and Japan.

🌏 While these events can happen naturally, they're an important reminder that New Zealand is an earthquake-prone country too.

❓ If an earthquake happened today, would your whānau know what to do?

Take 5 minutes to check:

✅ Do you know your child's school emergency procedures and plans?

✅ Are you or the people able to pick your children up on the authorised pick-up list?

✅ If you and your children are in different towns, what's your plan to reconnect?

✅ Do you have a plan for elderly family members, neighbours and pets? 🐶🐱

✅ Is your emergency kit ready? 🎒

Preparedness isn't about fear—it's about protecting the people we love. ❤️

🤝 Neighbourhood Support Kawerau
If you identify as someone who may need assistance during an emergency, joining Neighbourhood Support can help ensure the appropriate people know where support may be needed sooner.

🚗 The less we congest our roads, the easier it is for emergency services and essential workers to get where they're needed.

📍 Want to know more?

Come and see me at the KEA Building. Or you can contact Justin Douglas at the Kawerau District Council (Emergency Management Officer)

Lyndal Kennedy
📧 [email protected]
📱 027 353 4840

Crime this week:

Commerical - 2 Thefts and 1 Shoplifting

10/08 Tamarangi Drive Residential - Kainga Ora Theft - Value $2000 or less

👏 A huge thank you to all the incredible coaches and umpires across Kawerau who give their time, energy and passion to our community without receiving a pay cheque. 💙

Your role is so much more than running games or blowing a whistle—you build confidence, teach respect, create safe spaces, and help shape the next generation of our tamariki and rangatahi. Every training, every game, and every hour you volunteer strengthens our community and gives our young people positive role models to look up to.

Thank you for everything you do. We see you, we appreciate you, and Kawerau is stronger because of you. 🏉🏐⚽🏀

Sports Bay of Plenty have put together a "Governance Workshop Series", these courses are designed for Sports clubs, providers and community organisations, to provide support around the fundamentals of good goverenance, committee roles, planning, funding, policies and effective club operations.

The first workshop is on Thursday 27th August from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Rangi Delamere Centre Kawerau.

Register with Shannon [email protected] or ph 0210470376

Together, we can build a stronger, safer and more connected Kawerau. 💙

Lyndal - Area Coordinator Neighbourhood Support Kawerau :-) [email protected]
027 353 4840

13/08/2026

⚠️ Community Safety Reminder: Be Alert Around ATMs

I have been made aware of an incident involving an elderly person withdrawing money from an ANZ ATM and then being approached by people asking them for money.

While most people in our community are simply going about their day, it’s important to remain alert when using an ATM — particularly for our elderly and more vulnerable community members.

🛡️ Tips to stay safe when using an ATM:

• Try to use an ATM during daylight hours and, where possible, in a busy or familiar location.
• Be aware of who is around you before, during and after withdrawing cash.
• If someone approaches you asking for money, you do not have to engage with them. A simple “No, sorry” and walking away is enough.
• Don’t show or count your cash in public. Put it away immediately.
• If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, go back inside the bank or into a nearby business and ask for help.
• If you feel you are being followed, do not go straight home. Go somewhere safe and populated and ask someone for assistance.
• Consider taking someone you trust with you when withdrawing larger amounts of cash.

📞 Should you report it? YES.

If someone is repeatedly approaching, intimidating, following or harassing people around an ATM, it is worth reporting. Even if no money was taken, reporting incidents can help Police and the bank identify patterns and prevent others from becoming victims.

For immediate danger or if a crime is happening now, call 111. For non-urgent concerns, contact Police through 105 or report the incident to your local Police station.

You can also let the bank know if you have concerns about activity around their ATM.

Most importantly, don’t feel embarrassed about saying no or asking for help. Your safety comes first, and nobody is entitled to your money.

Please check in on elderly family members, neighbours and friends and remind them to be extra cautious when withdrawing cash. ❤️



Lyndal Area coordinator Neighbourhood Support Kawerau — looking out for each other and keeping our community connected and safe.

13/08/2026

Hi Team

🏡 Neighbourhood Support Kawerau – Updates for the Week
🔌 Check Your Electrical Cables
With the colder weather, rodents will be looking for warm, dry places to shelter — and unfortunately, that can sometimes mean getting into our homes and around electrical wiring.

Take a few minutes to check your electrical cables, power cords and plugs for any signs of chewing or damage. If you find damaged wiring, don’t use it — have it checked or replaced by a qualified electrician. A small check now could help prevent a much bigger problem later.

❤️ 3 Steps for Life – What a Great Course!
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our 3 Steps for Life course on Tuesday!

It was fantastic to see members of our community come along, learn some potentially life-saving skills and support each other. A big thank you also to St John for delivering the course and helping our community become more confident in responding to an emergency.

We are proud to be able to bring opportunities like this to Kawerau and look forward to offering more community-focused initiatives in the future.

🚨 Fraud & Marketplace Scams – A Reminder from Community Constable Rob Jones
Community Constable Rob Jones advises that fraud is still a concern in our community, particularly when it comes to Facebook Marketplace.

If you are buying or selling on Marketplace, please be extra cautious. Some of the issues being reported include:

🔥 Firewood sales
🚗 Vehicles being bought or sold
🃏 Pokémon cards and other collectables
💰 Items that require payment before you have properly checked the seller or goods
Remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of requests for deposits or payments before seeing the item, unusual payment methods, sellers who create a sense of urgency, or people who refuse to meet in person.

📞 Beware of Fake Bank Phone Calls
Fraudsters are also continuing to make phone calls pretending to be from banks.

Your bank will not ask you to reveal your full password, PIN or security codes over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your bank using the official phone number from your bank card or statement — not a number provided by the caller.

Take your time, don't be pressured, and if in doubt, stop and check.

Crime report this week :

03/08 Burglary Washing machine and fridge/freezer stolen from a Stout Street home

06/08 Stolen Vehicle Grey Mazda Atenza, HEZ283, stolen from Atomic Church Kawerau, Onslow Street at around 10:15am

Shout out this week is to Keep Kawerau Beautiful who are always out and about picking up rubbish around the area, educating and inspiring residents in our community to act as Kaitiaki (guardians) of our local environment, watch out for the "Community Litter Cleanup" on Sunday September 20th as part of Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week. I know Keep Kawerau Beautiful are working with the amazing Kawerau Rotary for this project, keep a look out on how you can help.

Have a great rest of the week and weekend

Lyndal Neighbourhood Support Kawerau – Area Coordinator 0273534840

05/08/2026

A bit of a radio stint at Radio 1XX News this morning. With Neighbourhood Support Whakatane

LJ catches up with Jane Fox from Whakatane Neighbourhood Support to discuss what's been happening around the eastern Bay this week, along with practical crime prevention advice.