April 2012
Both our telephone tree and mail contact proved valuable during the recent damage to our water system.
Unfortunately, in a some cases our emails get classified as SPAM, because anti-SPAM software and email clients classify mass emails (particularly repeated ones) as SPAM- last month several different emails were sent to our 300+ recipients within a couple of days.
To prevent this from happening, add dhnshq@gmail.com to your address book/email contacts; and in a crisis, check your SPAM folder.
Meanwhile, if you wish to amend your Neighbourhood Support database details, or to join DHNS, contact Elaine on 329 4512 or dhnshq@gmail.com.
Elaine
March 2012
Those of you who keep in touch with Canterbury Neighbourhood Support will have learned that the organisation has recently established a database called Christchurch Gets Ready. Its purpose is very similar to that of our database - to keep a record of residents' details for use in emergencies.
Because our database was set up before Christchurch Gets Ready was introduced, I have opted not to take on the extra and probably unnecessary work of replicating our information on Christchurch Gets Ready. Canterbury Neighbourhood Support is fully aware of this and would, if ever the need arose, refer emergency services to me (or my deputy, Ron).
However, some members in our community may wish to be on both databases. This would require the appointment of a local person as the Christchurch Gets Ready Diamond Harbour Coordinator.
While I am not prepared to take on this extra role, I will be happy to assist someone to get set up and learn what is involved. It is not difficult for anyone with internet access. If you would like to be included on the Christchurch Gets Ready database and/or be its local coordinator, please contact me.
During the last month there have been two reported cases of theft. At the Tennis Club, an expensive padlock was stolen and an outside water tap vandalised and the tap taken. The perpetrators in this case are believed to be children.Closer to Church Bay, a home was burgled while the family was out, and items including cash and jewellery were taken. Police have been notified.
Residents continue to be concerned about vehicles, many of them driven by locals, speeding on our narrow winding roads, often passing within inches of pedestrians on the narrow footpaths.
Lastly I have been asked to urge everyone to abide by the current restriction on water use. Unfortunately a number of people have been observed hand-watering gardens on the wrong days, and on a few properties, sprinklers have been seen operating.
Despite the above, we do live in a great community, so let's individually do all we can to keep it that way.
Elaine
February 2012
Happy New Year Everyone!
It is now seven months since the major updating of the Neighbourhood Support Database began. Much more information than ever before is now readily available and an efficient communications network is working well. Consequently, Diamond Harbour Neighbourhood Support has been able to assist authorities on several occasions, both by disseminating information to members and by supplying helpful details to authorities in emergency situations.
Unfortunately, there has also been at least one occasion on which we did not have the needed information on hand.
There are still a few groups which were not updated in 2011. I would urge their leaders to complete the updates urgently, or to advise if, for any reason, they are unable to do this.
Similarly, individual residents who do not know who their leader is, or with contact lists printed before June 2011, should get in touch as soon as possible if they wish to be included. The system is now established but it will always remain with individuals and group leaders to ensure the information is current. Updates can be done at any time and new lists printed if there are significant changes - just email dhnshq@gmail.com or ph 329 4512. If necessary I will also inform your group leader of changes.
Meanwhile, keep safe, be prepared for the unexpected emergency and make sure you take time to smell the roses and to say hello to your neighbours!
Elaine
December 2011
Progress on updating group lists has slowed somewhat, but I am still hoping that the task can be completed before Christmas. Those group leaders who have not yet returned their lists-originally requested by June 30 - are urged to do so as soon as possible. While it can be difficult to contact owners of holiday homes and newly purchased properties, missing details, and any other changes can be updated at any time in the future and new lists will be issued to all group members whenever there are significant changes. Any leaders who need assistance in collecting information or who are for any reason unable to continue in their leadership role should also contact me so that suitable arrangements can be made.
From the new year onward, I plan to remind leaders annually of the need to check information, but will not be following up these so vigorously as ultimately the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Support must lie with members of the community. Ideally, every household will always have a group list which is not more than 12 months old. Individuals should initially contact their group leader if the list is out of date, but everyone can update or add their own information on the database at any time by contacting me and the updates will be forwarded to the leader, and new lists will be issued to all group members whenever there are significant changes.
Efficient Neighbourhood Support requires just a little effort from each household, but it can work only if we all participate.
Meantime, take a moment to wish your neighbours a Merry Christmas, and to advise them if you are going away for more than one night, or if other people will be using your house. For information on how to keep your home safe while it is empty, go to
www.ns.org.nz/index.html/Factsheets/Factsheets
contact me on 329 4512 or email dhnshq@gmail.com for a copy of the factsheet.
Have a safe and happy festive season, everyone.
Elaine
Community Watch
City to Sumner Community Watch Inc. has recently expanded to the Lyttelton Harbour Basin area, including Diamond Harbour. This organisation is recognised by the police as a valuable community asset in the reduction of crime. Essentially the purpose of Community Watch is to provide additional eyes and ears for the police by patrolling the streets and parking areas etc, often focusing on locations identified as recent or possible trouble spots. Each of the three cars is manned by two volunteers, who are mainly, but not exclusively, retired men and women. They have direct radio contact with the police to report any unusual or suspicious activity, so are rarely required to leave the car while on duty, and certainly do not physically intervene. Car thefts, fights, burglaries, dangerous driving and drunkenness are the most common incidents encountered, and the subsequent prompt response by police has prevented many negative outcomes.
Volunteers are vetted by the police to ensure they are of good character. They always work two to a car with a friend or trusted colleague. They can choose both the frequency of their four hour shifts, and the time of day - morning, afternoon, evening or night.
The recent addition of a third car - through the fantastic efforts of Pam Jackson of First Direct Taxis - has made possible the increased coverage by patrols, but also means more people are needed to man the extra vehicle. If you have four hours to spare once a fortnight or more often to make a very positive contribution to your community, call Allan Bain 384 5688 or email a.bain@clear.net.nz.
Elaine
November 2011
Isn't it great to realise what efforts are being made to keep us and our community safe? Stories keep filtering through to me too, of little acts of kindness and thoughtfulness by individuals that mean a great deal to the recipients. I hope everyone can to find time this week (Oct 29 to Nov 4) to share a smile or more with neighbours to celebrate national Neighbourhood Support Week.
If you would like to advertise that you live in a Neighbourhood Support community, I have a variety of stickers, with the circular logo above on them, available to go on your window, door or letterbox. Also, if you would like a You are entering a Neighbourhood Support area sign at the end of your street or elsewhere, just let me know the location, and I will contact the appropriate authority.
Thank you for being part of Diamond Harbour Neighbourhood Support.
Elaine
October 2011
I recently attended a meeting of Safer Banks Peninsula to table safety concerns put forward by members of our community. I have also established contact with Lyttelton Community Watch and the Lyttelton Harbour Network and look forward to bringing you more details of these groups at a later time.
Meanwhile, the Diamond Harbour Neighbourhood Support emailing system is now fully operational, with arrangements in place for messages to be relayed as appropriate by phone to those without email. Phoning of course involves a bit more time for both sender and receiver, so if you have email, but have not yet given your address to Neighbourhood Support, please email it to dhnshq@gmail.com. Be assured that all emails from Diamond Harbour Neighbourhood Support are clearly identified in the Subject line, are as infrequent as we can make them. Addresses are given only to the appropriate leaders for use only when all else fails. If you want to opt out at any time, just reply to any one of our emails and your address will immediately be permanently removed from all lists. Please help us help you.
One of the roles of Neighbourhood Support is to keep each other - and the police - informed about crime in our area. The value of this was illustrated last month when a resident came face to face with a man who had entered through an unlocked door. When confronted, the intruder muttered some excuse and left hurriedly. The startled resident contacted the police - who arrived within an hour - and informed nearby neighbours. Contractors doing earthquake repairs at another house arrived there to find the empty house had been broken into and an unusual article of clothing left behind. The workmen reported the incident to the police. At a third house, a resident went out to the patio one morning and noticed that a couple of items, including some clothing, were missing. Not being exactly sure when the articles disappeared and thinking a friend may have visited and taken them, this person did not contact the police for several days.
Individually, these three incidents might seem fairly insignificant, but it has since been discovered that all three happened on the same day in the same street, right here in Diamond Harbour, and are obviously linked. This serves to remind us that the smallest bit of information may be the key to solving a significant crime. Despite what some of us might feel, the police do not disregard reports they receive, so let them, and your neighbours, know as soon as possible of unusual or suspicious activity, and help keep our community safe.
In similar vein, if you have recently had a phone call or Skype contact from a man with a strong (Asian?) accent claiming to be from Microsoft and urging you to follow his instructions to repair your computer, be assured that a) you are not alone, and b) legitimate companies, including banks, NEVER do this or email to ask you to disclose personal information. The aim of this scammer, as usual, is to get access to your computer and so to personal information. At the first contact just say you are not interested and hang up. If in doubt about the authenticity, hang up and contact the company involved yourself. NEVER supply any personal information. If the same person, or another with the same story contacts you again, tell them something like "You are a scammer! Do not call again!", hang up immediately AND let friends, the named company and/or the police know about it. Together we CAN make a difference.
Don't forget that Neighbourhood Week is Saturday October 29 to Sunday November 6. Tell your neighbours to bring a plate and drop in for a cuppa and a chat, or plan a bigger gathering with your block or sector leader.
Elaine
Stop Press: The stolen clothing etc in the story here, has been found discarded in bushes by a fourth resident who placed an ad for it in the Herald - we have contacted the owner. Together we CAN do it!
September 2011
Many people have expressed appreciation of the emailed information on road conditions during the first snowfall.
In future, updates will also be on the Diamond Harbour community website (see opposite).
A priority now is to make sure such information also reaches those without computers when necessary.
Once organised, this will link in with the telephone tree.
Meantime, don't forget about .....
Neighbourhood Week: Saturday October 29 to Sunday November 6
The CCC is offering a small subsidy to encourage people to take the lead in organising a community event or activity that brings their neighbourhood together.
The initiative is part of Neighbourhood Week which is dedicated to getting to know the people who live close to you. It is about bringing people together - whether a small gathering of a few households, a get-together for your group, an opportunity to meet with the other groups in your Block and its leader, or a larger Sector event.
So make sure your group details are up to date, and get planning.
To applying for the subsidy pick up a form from a Council Service Centre (the Lyttelton centre is temporarily located at the Lyttelton Library) or download it from: www.ccc.govt.nz/cityleisure/eventsfestivals/communityevents/neighbourhoodweek/application.aspx
The website also has handy tips and ideas about planning an event.
Popular activities from previous Neighbourhood Weeks range from street barbecues, pot luck luncheons/dinners, kite flying day, dessert evening, morning/afternoon teas, pizza parties, games in the park, street garage sale, gifting balloons or chocolates to neighbours and street clean-up days.
Applications for the subsidy from the Community Boards are now open and must be received by 5pm Friday September 9.
Note: The subsidy is a refund of expenses, not a cash payout before the event. If your application is approved you will receive details of the reimbursement process.
For further information contact: Sarah Kelly 027 229 4148 or sarah.kelly@ccc.govt.nz.
Elaine
August 2011
The re-establishment of our Neighbourhood Support network is progressing well. Just over half of our 100 groups have been updated and the distribution of group sheets to each member is now underway, and this will continue as more leaders complete their updating. The sheet you receive contains contact details of all members of your immediate group, plus name, phone number and email of the Area Leader (Elaine), your Sector Leader and your Block Leader, this last being relevant only in the three largest sectors.
The telephone tree for emergency communication is now established, and worked very efficiently a couple of weeks ago for the potential tsunami following an earthquake near the Kermadecs. Thanks to the efficiency of the international and national warning centres, and our local Civil Defence, I received the message about 25 minutes after the quake occurred. Less than 40 minutes later, all neighbourhood support members in low-lying areas had been contacted via our telephone tree.
During the recent snow storms, I was able to relay Council messages on road conditions via email to about 170 residents. This system greatly facilitates wide notification of less urgent notices.
Undoubtedly our Neighbourhood Support liaison with CERA has also been a great success. Group leaders have done a splendid job in identifying people in need of additional assistance with earthquake related problems. Fire Chief Don Cameron is coordinating the responses. With local builder Barry Craw voluntarily inspecting a number of buildings, a variety of repairs, including the installation of a log burner and stabilisation of a water tank have subsequently been undertaken by EQC agencies. Advice given has ranged from how to file an insurance claim and to apply for financial assistance, to facilitating health and welfare care for individuals and counselling for both adults and children. Although, as expected, the total number of cases is relatively small, the help so provided has been greatly appreciated.
For more information, or to update your details at any time, contact your Sector Leader or Elaine on 329 4512 or email dhnshq@gmail.com.
Elaine
July 2011
The overhaul of Diamond Harbour Neighbourhood Support is progressing rapidly. We have one hundred groups set up giving all owners and occupiers of properties between Manson's Point (near Allandale) and Port Levy the opportunity to be included. Gebbies Pass Rd and Camp and Pile Bays are also part of our area.
Right now group leaders are contacting all members to check on and update the information we have for each property, and to offer support to anyone who has unresolved earthquake issues - in which we are assisting CERA and related organisations to address urgent needs of anyone in our community.
If you have not heard from a Neighbourhood Support group leader in the last couple of weeks, and wish to be involved, please contact us, as this may mean we have not yet included your property in a group.
The next stage of our reorganisation is to set up an effective emergency contact system, to relay, usually by phone, important messages from emergency services (CD, Fire, Police etc) to up to 2000 people who may be in the area at any given time. We will do this in up to five levels - ie one person phones 5-7 others, each of whom phones 5-7 others and so on. To reach the 100 group leaders in this way requires 20 relayers. At present, most of those filling these 20 positions are also group leaders, and this doubling up of roles could seriously reduce efficiency in an emergency situation.
We urgently need more volunteers to ensure that each person needs to ring only a small number of others. Ideally, the system would have yet a further 120 people to act as back-ups/deputies in case an assigned person is out of the area or injured etc. We have the 100 leaders already, and I am confident that there are at least 20 to 140 others in our community who are prepared to accept the small, but potentially vital responsibility, of making a few phone calls in times of need. If you would like to be involved, please advise your group leader or contact me directly to discuss what is required and how you might help. Thank you to those who have already come forward. Special thanks to the group leaders for their on-going work.
Elaine
June 2011
At a bus stop recently, a man sat down next to me, took out an object about the size of an exercise book and proceeded to check out Trade Me. It's an iPad, he explained in response to my query. It connects to the internet using mobile broadband, just like a mobile phone. I could do the same on my smartphone, but I prefer the larger screen.
No cables, battery powered - this is technology today. By the end of that day I had discovered that Neighbourhood Support Canterbury also use mobile broadband to connect their main computer, a laptop, to the internet as well as their phone - which operates like a landline, but without cables or physical connections. This of course means they can be fully operational anywhere, anytime, regardless of the state of power and phone lines - and amazingly, at a lower cost than that of normal phone and internet charges.
Now I am even more convinced that we, in the greater Diamond Harbour area, need to have a Neighbourhood Support communication network that works for today and for the not-too-distant future when fully wireless communication will be the norm. In addition to completing the database, email contact and a telephone tree are my priorities at present.
What can you do to help?
- Simply ensure that your property details (including, where appropriate, email and cell phone details) are on the NS database and advise any changes, or if you are moving out of the district. You can do this by advising your NS group leader or by contacting me directly via email: dhnshq@gmail.com or ph 329 4512.
- Knowing your neighbours, being aware of any unusual activity in your vicinity and knowing who to contact in an emergency are all integral parts of Neighbourhood Support.
- You may also choose to become a sector co-ordinator where your input can be as little as agreeing to relay messages to a pre-arranged small group of neighbours in the event of an emergency and/or occasionally for important community notices.
What about privacy? Your street address, name and phone number are automatically given to other members of your immediate NS group - ie your neighbours. You may optionally provide other information which can, at your discretion be held on the database for release only to the proper emergency services and only when specifically required in an emergency. If you so choose, some of this additional information can also be made available to your NS group members.
Don't want to get too involved? Once your basic details are received and you are assigned to a group, your level of participation in any meetings or social activities is entirely voluntary.
Don't want to be involved at all? NS respects your right to remain anonymous. The existence of your property will be acknowledged on the database with the street address and the word UNLISTED. No further contact will be made unless you initiate it. While you would never be denied assistance because of your non-involvement in NS, in an emergency, priority may be given to those who have facilitated the process by providing information.
Elaine