Milestone for community partners

Police and community partners in Ngaruawahia are celebrating a quarter of a century of working together to give local youngsters a good time.

Some of the local youngsters enjoying the summer rail trip to Massey Park.

The Ngaruawahia Community Youth Holiday Programme (NCYHP) was established by Constable Luke Crawford in 1989 and has gone from strength to strength, now attracting up to 600 participants every summer. Today the programme is under the direction of Senior Constable Norm McIntosh and Constable Lee Tane, with the support of community members. Lee says the aim is to allow children to develop and learn within a safe environment. "This initiative creates a strong partnership between the Police and the community," says Lee. "It generates a sense of community ownership and pride. During the period of the programme we see a significant reduction in youth crime and family violence."

This year's activities included a railway excursion to the Massey Park wave pool, Papakura. The trip, run in conjunction with Kiwi Rail, involves a strong railway safety message.

"This year's programme was again a great success thanks to the support of the local community in providing the foundation for the programme," says Lee.

Waikato West Area Commander Inspector Paul Carpenter attended the railway trip. "This programme brings out the best in the community and demonstrates what can be achieved when Police and the community work together," he says.

Other programme activities have included day trips to the cinema; Kelly Tarltons Sealife Aquarium; Waterworld, at Te Rapa, Hamilton; Raglan Beach; and Rainbows End theme park.