Wanganui Community Patrol CPNZ

04/10/2026

CPNZ training day for Central Region in Whanganui update.

Whanganui hosts training day for Community Patrol NZ volunteers

Wanganui Community Patrol is a community-based organisation aligned with Community Patrol NZ (CPNZ), where volunteers work alongside local Police as extra “eyes and ears” to help keep the district safe. Over 100 patrollers joined our local volunteers at a recent CPNZ training day in Whanganui from across the Central Police District – from Taranaki down through Rangitīkei, Manawatū and Horowhenua.

The training days focus on sharpening skills in observation, reporting and working alongside Police. Chris Lawton, Chairman of CPNZ, said, “Training days build confidence, consistency and safety, and, just as importantly, the networks between patrols and police that make the work effective.

“We were fortunate to have had two Central District Inspectors leading sessions: District Prevention Manager Inspector Brett Calkin and District Road Policing Manager Inspector Steve Crawford, as well as others. That direct police involvement keeps our patrollers aligned with district priorities.”

Volunteers provide non-operational support by carrying out observations, reporting suspicious activity, monitoring CCTV cameras in the C*D, and visiting areas of local interest as directed by police.

Phil Pollero, Patrol Leader, Chairman of Wanganui Community Patrol, says “We've got a very good relationship with the local police. Our Police Liaison Officer is Senior Constable Keith Thomson (Tomo). He looks after us particularly well.”

Chris Lawton, with his finger on the pulse nationally, says the volunteers “Provide a visible, reassuring presence that deters crime and supports police. With around 5,000 patrollers nationwide contributing thousands of volunteer hours, they genuinely help keep communities like Whanganui safer.”

Phil and Chris agree that recruiting volunteers is an ongoing process. Phil says, “We're always on the lookout for new patrollers. If people are interested, we're very keen to hear from them. They can give as much or as little time as they like. Some patrollers will do one patrol a month while others may do three or four. A patrol is generally about five hours.”

When asked how the community can support Wanganui Community Patrol, Chris Lawton says, apart from volunteering, “Sponsorship – vehicles, fuel, equipment and venues all make a real difference. And simply report what you see; patrols work best when the whole community is engaged.”

Wanganui Community Patrol also have a small group of trained patrollers who are available to be called out to assist in emergency management situations.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Wanganui Community Patrol crew, or want or offer other support, contact Phil via email: [email protected]

Photo: RCP journalist Doug Davidson (centre) with Community Patrol volunteers
Patrick and Dave.

22/09/2026

National Police Remembrance Day 29th September 2026.

On 29 September each year New Zealand Police commemorates Police Remembrance Day 💙🪶

The service honours the courage and sacrifice of New Zealand Police Officers who were slain on duty, and New Zealand Police employees who died as result of their police duties.

It also remembers New Zealand Police staff - serving and retired, sworn and non-sworn - who have died in the past year.

We will also remember our police colleagues in Australia and the Pacific who have been killed by criminal acts while performing their official duties or died as a result of their duties.

Join us for the National Police Remembrance Day 2026 service, which will be live-streamed on the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Police Museum pages from 10.55am on Tuesday 29 September.

06/07/2026

Recent River City Press article...

What it’s like to be a Community Patrol Volunteer

As part of Volunteer Week (14 to 20 June) Sandra Rickey, Manager of Volunteer Whanganui, asked me to accompany two volunteers of Community Patrol (CP) as they carried out their duties early one afternoon. CP volunteers work in pairs to patrol the streets and business premises acting as the ‘eyes and ears’ for the local police.

They will note anything that could be suspicious and inform the police of any incident that requires their attention. They will also monitor CCTV cameras covering the C*D from the police station.

I went out with Patrick and Dave. Both said they volunteer because they want to give back to the community. They already also volunteer elsewhere, with Dave involved in the Koha Shed and Patrick with the tram.

A normal day shift is about five hours; combining walking through the C*D and driving to ‘places of interest’ as recommended by the police. They would normally check in at the Police Station, but the information is also provided on the tablets they use.

Currently CP has 25 volunteers, but they are always looking for more. There is a bit of study involved, with a number of modules to work through. You are also linked with a mentor and patrol together for a few sessions where you are trained in situational awareness, risk assessment and observation skills.

They are also trained to keep safe. So “at night we don’t get out of the car. We engage only through a partially open window and never go down a dead-end street; we are also in direct contact with police.”

There are 28 CCTV cameras around town, as well as private businesses’ cameras, which are invaluable.

But probably as important is the community presence. As we walked up and down Victoria Ave, Dave and Patrick were recognised by supportive shop owners and the public in general. They stopped to have a chat with plenty of people, including a couple of rough sleepers. Their presence, complete with the bright yellow jackets, was welcomed.

We drove around Whanganui East ticking off the spots the police asked us to visit. All was peaceful.

Currently CP operates on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and on Friday and Saturday nights, with night and CCTV shifts also being five hours and start in the early evening.

If you are interested in joining the CP team, please email the CP at [email protected]

Photo: Pat, Doug and Dave on patrol.

17/06/2026

Thank you Central District Volunteers

With CPNZ having 12 districts across New Zealand, we're making sure every district is recognised during National Volunteer Week (NVW).

Tonight, our spotlight turns to Central District and the incredible volunteers who give their time to support their communities.

To all of our Central District patrols and patrollers, thank you for the countless hours you dedicate to supporting your communities. By volunteering your time and maintaining a visible presence in neighbourhoods across the district, you help foster safer environments, strengthen community connections, and provide an extra set of eyes and ears where they are needed most.

Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and the difference you make in your local communities is greatly appreciated. On behalf of CPNZ, thank you for everything you do.

Happy National Volunteer Week to all our Central District volunteers!

06/05/2026

Amongst other volunteer Community organizations our local Community Patrol CPNZ Volunteers were acknowledged for providing over 1000 hours to our Community in this article from River City Press Whanganui by Mayor Andrew Tripe for the last six months.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18iFMwfqDT/

Community funding delivering results for Whanganui

Whanganui District Council’s community grants are making a measurable difference where it matters most by putting food on tables, boosting local support services, and making our streets safer.

Mayor Andrew Tripe says the latest six-monthly funding reports show that ratepayer money is being used effectively by backing trusted local organisations that turn volunteer hours and partnerships into essential services.

“I am very aware many households are feeling the squeeze right now, and I’m very mindful of the pressure of rates,” says Mayor Andrew. “That’s why we as a council are laser-focused on funding projects that deliver clear, proven results we can report back to you.”

“This isn’t just about numbers on a page; it’s about real outcomes for real people. It’s about ensuring families are fed, support is available when things get tough, and our neighbourhoods feel connected and safe.”

One organisation supported through council funding is Whanganui Kai Hub, which rescues quality surplus food and redistributes it to community organisations and food banks so it can be used where it’s needed most.

Kai Hub general manager, Eryn Gribble, says securing funding turns uncertainty into impact.

“Last financial year we rescued 64,408kg of good kai. We’re grateful for the support of the council”, says Gribble.

“By supporting Kai Hub, they’re also backing over 17 community organisations we supply, helping good kai reach the people who need it most. We couldn’t do this mahi without funders like council, our community, and our incredible organisational partners.”

Across the past six months, council-supported partners have delivered practical help at scale.

Christian Social Services Whanganui – City Mission provided 2,548 food parcels and 1,205 supermarket shops, and marked the first birthday of the social supermarket in November. Whanganui Kai Hub redistributed more than 16,800 kilograms of food to community organisations and food banks, with minimal waste.
Community Patrol volunteers completed more than 1,000 hours of patrols, while Neighbourhood Support now connects with more than 6,300 homes and businesses. Community House Whanganui supported around 700 people each month and continues to provide affordable space and administrative support for 14 permanent tenants.

Mayor Andrew says this funding allows the community to lead the way in solving local problems.

“By supporting these groups, we are strengthening Whanganui’s ability to look after its own. We will continue to listen to our community’s priorities and back the initiatives that impact lives, provide the best value and the biggest heart for our district,” Mayor Andrew says.

To find out more about the different funds available, including funds the council administers on behalf of other organisations – visit the council website whanganui.govt.nz/funding

21/04/2026

Lest we forget….Anzac Day information