Page 2

Contents
About Neighbourhood Support ................................................

Message from the Editorial Team .............................................

Mayor's Message ......................................................................

Minister of Police .......................................................................

Regional Coordinator ................................................................

11

Supporting our Organisation: Donations ..................................

13

Out and About - From our Volunteers .......................................

15

Understanding the Risks ...........................................................

17

Junior Neighbourhood Support ................................................

21

Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora.........................................................

23

Dunedin Women's Refuge ........................................................

25

Keeping Safe from Gambling Harm..........................................

27

The Greater Green Island Community Network ........................

31

Dunedin Community Accounting ..............................................

33

Multiple Sclerosis Otago ...........................................................

35

Consumer NZ Targets Door-to-Door Traders ............................

39

Who is Age Concern Otago ......................................................

42

Desexing and Microchipping your Pets ....................................

45

CanTeen ....................................................................................

46

Unwell? Get the right advice when you need it .........................

48

Bellyful Dunedin ........................................................................

49

Dunedin Collaboration Against Family Violence .......................

51

Page 3

About Neighbourhood Support

History
Neighbourhood Watch was introduced to New Zealand as a crime prevention initiative in
the late 1970s. The initiative evolved to become Neighbourhood Support New Zealand,
a community owned and managed organisation with a wide-ranging interest in community
support, safety and crime prevention.
Neighbourhood Support became an Incorporated Society in 2000. In 2001 it signed
a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Zealand Police. The purpose of the
Memorandum of Understanding is to establish and promote a collaborative working
relationship between Neighbourhood Support New Zealand Incorporated and the Police.
Objectives
Neighbourhood Support aims to make homes, streets, neighbourhoods and communities
safer and more caring places in which to live.
This is primarily achieved through establishment of small cells of households known as a
Neighbourhood Support Group, comprising anywhere from 4 to 50 residential households
in a single street or suburb. Groups throughout a single suburb or a wider town or city
area are co-ordinated either via a civilian co-ordinator, or through a Community Constable
based at a local Police station.
The main purpose of the groups is to encourage neighbours to know one another and share
information on crime or suspicious activities in their area. Early contact with authorities
such as the Police is also encouraged for reporting of unusual observations or unacceptable
behaviour. Crime prevention information can also be shared with group members via
Community Constables, or Neighbourhood Support Area Co-ordinators.
A secondary objective of Neighbourhood Support is to facilitate communication between
Civil Defence (Emergency Management) and the community during a man-made or natural
disaster affecting residents.

Page 4

Message from the Editorial Team

Sadly, the world in which we live is not as law abiding as it
was a generation or two ago which makes the work of all
sorts of government and voluntary organisations vital.
Neighbourhood Support is a lively, worthwhile and necessary organisation
which provides avenues for neighbours and communities to socialise,
and look out for each other.
Our sincere thanks to the contributors of all the articles contained here.
A lot of hours have gone in to making this book as relevant, useful and
convenient to use as possible.
This book is a vehicle for the latest news and messages of many of the
above in an easy to use format. Please keep it by your phone for ready
reference.
The community minded advertisers represented in this book have
provided the finance for its manufacture and distribution as well as critical
funding for your local Neighbourhood Support groups to continue their
important work.

Please support these advertisers

as they are supporting you!
Published by Markat Promotions Ltd
120 Maces Road, Bromley
Christchurch 8062
PO Box 19607, Woolston
Christchurch 8241

Advertising / Articles Enquiries

Phil Cowen
Phone: 03 376 5124
Email: phil@markat.co.nz

Phone: 03 376 5120

Fax: 03 376 5153
Email: art@markat.co.nz

Published Annually
June 2015
ref: N15D1
Page 5

Page 6

Mayor's Message
I grew up at a time when being
part of a neighbourhood was a very
natural part of life.
Children happily played in the streets,
neighbours talked over the back fence,
swapping recipes, lending tools and generally
helping each other out. That willingness to
lend a hand has always been an important
part of the Kiwi way but modern life, with all
its electronic connections, has in many ways
got in the way of making those natural day
to day connections.
Fortunately, Dunedin has always been
a city that generates a strong sense of
neighbourhood and community. That is why
I am glad to see Neighbourhood Support
doing so much to maintain the connections
which give the city such a great feel - helping
people to get to know each other, so that
help is always just over the fence or just
across the road.
The Dunedin City Council recognises the
importance of Neighbourhood Supports
work and provides backing through an annual
civic partnership grant. As an organisation, it
plays an important part in our Civil Defence
preparedness, because having a supportive
neighbourhood community means there is
someone nearby to turn to for immediate
help or mutual support in emergencies. Our
Social Wellbeing Strategy also talks about
building stronger communities and by being
part of Neighbourhood Support people
can feel safer and more included. Having
neighbours who look out for each other is a
great deterrent against crime.

these groups means we are all better able

to help when the need arises. Given our
citys great history of innovation, it is not
surprising that Dunedin is leading the way by
launching a Junior Neighbourhood Support
programme which is being established in
four schools. Designed to build in another
layer of neighbourhood connections and
make young people aware of the need to
be prepared for the likes of Civil Defence
emergencies, it will provide an excellent
model that can be adopted right around
the country.
My hope is that every Dunedin resident can
rediscover what it is like to live in a supportive
neighbourhood where people know how to
look after each other and are ready to step
up when needed. Neighbourhood Support
is a great way to do it.

Dave Cull
Mayor of Dunedin

At the moment there are close to 4000

households involved in 295 Neighbourhood
Support groups around the city. Having
those links already established through
Page 7

Page 8

Minister of Police
As Minister of Police, I fully
support the excellent work done by
Neighbourhood Support
New Zealand.
Your organisation is a great advocate
for keeping New Zealanders safe and a
significant partner in New Zealand Police's
mission to prevent crime and victimisation.
The values you hold and your efforts to
bring neighbourhoods together to resolve
local issues and combat crime are closely
aligned to the mission of Police, which is to
build communities in which people are safe
and - just as importantly - they feel safe, too.
The relationship between Neighbourhood
Support and Police is an excellent example
of Police and the communities they serve
working together to achieve this objective.
As you may be aware, New Zealand Police
has undergone a significant transformation
in recent years under its Policing Excellence
programme. This has put preventing crime
and reducing the number of victims at the
centre of everything Police does.
As a result of these changes, frontline Police
are now more mobile, visible, effective
and efficient than ever before. This means
they are spending much more time in their
communities, where they can make the most
difference, and delivering excellent results
for the public they serve. This includes a 20
per cent reduction in crime in the past five
years alone.
Police is also making excellent progress
towards meeting the ambitious targets the
Government has set under the Better Public
Services framework. These are a 20 per cent
reduction in the overall crime rate by June
2018, a 20 per cent reduction in violent

crime, and a 25 per cent reduction in youth

crime by June 2017, compared to June 2011.
As of December 2014, total recorded crime
had reduced by 18 per cent, violent crime by
11 per cent and youth crime by 38 per cent.
As you can see, your Police service is working
extremely hard and achieving great results
for New Zealanders. The Government fully
supports their approach to preventing crime
and building safe communities.
We are also fully behind the great work being
done by Neighbourhood support, not just
to prevent crime and keep people safe, but
also to help prepare communities to cope
with disasters.
I wish you all the very best in your endeavours
and I thank you for the strong partnership
you have built with Police.
Hon Michael Woodhouse
Minister of Police
Page 9

Page 10

Regional Coordinator
Its amazing the impact change can
have on a small community change
brings diversity and it is the attitude
to this change that builds and
strengthens a communitys
heart and soul.
A few barrow loads of gravel and a lot of
hard work the Clutha Gold Trail is living
and breathing proof that opening up small
communities to the world and embracing
change results in better experiences and
opportunities that would not have been
available before. A recent school trip saw
our eldest daughter, my husband, and I
experience the trail from Roxburgh through
to Beaumont for the first time.
Breathtakingly beautiful scenery and
agreeable weather gave us a weekend of
overcoming challenges, meeting new friends
and seeing a part of the world that is only
normally experienced sitting in the passenger
seat of a 4WD.
Given the demanding task of managing
logistics, it also provided wee pockets of
freedom for yours truly to bask in the warmth
and glory of the mighty Clutha whilst catching
up on a good read and a cup of tea waiting
for the crew to arrive at the next rendezvous
point tough stuff is this logistics business!
What blew me away was how warmly our
camp was received by the small community
of Millers Flat. After a couple of hours on
the bikes, the troops arrived at our overnight
campsite at the Millers Flat Camp Ground to
unwind, chill out and debrief over the thrills
(and spills) of the day.
Noticing that there was a heated open pool
down the road during a recon mission the
day before and hoping to take advantage

of the invitingly cool water, I had a great

conversation with the camp ground manager
when picking up the pool keys, around
the community and was inspired by their
openness and willingness to embrace us as
kind-of locals. Having always driven past
Millers Flat on the way through to Central
Otago, it never occurred to me that such a
great wee community existed on the other
side of the bridge.
The positive experiences we enjoy in
other parts of the world we live lend well
to filling up our emotional tanks. The
warmth embrace of complete strangers
opening up their hearts and communities
ensure that these positive interactions and
their outcomes are passed on to others
who may then endeavour to replicate this
through creating their own experiences for
themselves and their families.
I am looking forward to heading back to the
Millers Flat community again to discover
what else can be found out amongst the
strange and new. I think more relaxing shall
be in order. Maybe Ill get on my bike next
time round as well.
Take care and stay safe.
Kim Romeril, Regional Coordinator
Otago Neighbourhood Support Charitable
Trust
77 Macandrew Road, South Dunedin, PO
Box 2472, Dunedin
Phone: 03 456 0857
Email: neighbourhoodsupport@gmail.com
Facebook:facebook.com/
OtagoNeighbourhoodSupport
Page 11

Page 12

Supporting our Organisation: Donations

Otago Neighbourhood Support
Charitable Trust is a not-for-profit
organisation devoted to making a
difference in the community.
Our organisation's mission is to create safer,
more caring communities by

Reducing the incidents and effects of

criminal offending

Strengthening community networks

Improving the quality of life for all who

reside in the region

Promoting emergency preparedness,

planning and response between
neighbours, and

Respecting people of all cultures in the

region and encourage their involvement
in Neighbourhood Support.

Otago Neighbourhood Support Charitable

Trust works alongside many organisations
with the same vision of making Dunedin

a Great Little City a safe, connected and

resilient place where community is the heart
of society.
In addition to forming Neighbourhood
Support groups in our communities, our
organisation also engages youth our future
with the Junior Neighbourhood Support
Programme and Community Safety Badge
initiative that recognises positive behaviour
and choices, promotes pride, safety and
community spirit within communities, and
supports schools in their efforts to establish
strong relationships within the community
and with families/whanau.
Otago Neighbourhood Support benefits
from the support of over 3,500 households
voluntarily advocating for the benefits of
neighbourliness, building resilience and
community engagement. We ask that you
consider supporting our cause to expand
and enhance our existing programmes
that benefit our families/whanau and
communities.

Donations can be made by way of the following

Direct Credit: Donations can be made via Direct Credit into the following account:

Otago Neighbourhood Support Charitable Trust

38-9015-0724328-00
Please ensure you include your name in the particulars field and donation
in the reference field.
Cheque: Please make cheques payable to: Otago Neighbourhood Support Charitable
Trust. These can be mailed to PO Box 2472, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012.
Once payment has cleared we will issue you with a receipt for tax purposes.
We thank you for your support!
Page 13

Page 14

Out and About - From our Volunteers

Mosgiel and Taieri Communities
It has been quite a busy start to the New Year
with the Outram Rodeo on Waitangi Day and
then just recently, the Cavalcade coming into
Outram. A great time was had by all and the
evening social event went off well also. Well
done to all who were involved in all these
activities. Mosgiel and Outram have been
really buzzing and there has been so much
happening, there will be no excuse if you are
getting bored, that is for certain!
We have been very pleased with the response
so far as Street Contacts keep their lists up to
date. If you are yet to return your changes
please let us know as soon as possible.
I hope the drought is not affecting you too
badly at the moment. I know some of the
rural areas needing to get water carted in
as their tanks become empty. Please ensure
you do all you can to discourage anyone
from taking your water over night from your
water tank. With the drought affecting large
areas, please remember not to light any fires,
as a change of wind can cause a small fire to
get out of control. We certainly do not want
that to happen.
Remember to keep your home gutters and
drains clear. We all know that with the
ground so dry, when the rain does arrive,
we will be prone to flooding as the water
will not be as easily absorbed by the ground.
Neighbours Day is being celebrated in
Mosgiel with the East Taieri Church organising
a Family Fun day on Sunday 29 March 2 pm
to 4pm at the Silverstream Primary School at
52 Green St. Entry is free.

the group you may be interested in or if we

do not know, we can certainly find out for
you. And do not forget that
we would welcome any
of you who wish to join
Neighbourhood Support.
Lyn Robins

South Coast Communities

Towards the end of last year was a busy
time for the coast with the very successful
completion and opening of the Brighton
Surf Club building, followed by a very well
attended Brighton Gala Day in January.
Last year was a busy one for the coastal
region, encouraging existing Street Contacts
and setting up new Street Contacts for
groups. While a lot of progress has been
achieved, there are still gaps to fill.
Recruitment has begun in Waldronville,
plus filling the gaps where no groups are
currently operating. If anyone would be
interested in starting a Neighbourhood
Support group, perhaps in conjunction with
another neighbour, or in joining a group, we
would be very pleased to
discuss this further, and can
be contacted via the South
Dunedin Police Station.
Jill McInnes

If some of our new comers would like to

join a community group, please contact us
and we will be able to put you in touch with
Page 15

Page 16

Understanding the Risks

Nobody can predict with any
accuracy when our next emergency
will occur.
The only sure thing is that one day we
will be affected by a major disaster. Good
emergency planning requires understanding
and managing the risks our community face.
The information below gives an indication of
the risks we face in Dunedin.

Flooding
Many parts of Dunedin are at risk of flooding,
either from surface ponding or from streams
and rivers exceeding their maximum flow
capacities. Low-lying areas and those prone
to run-off from overflowing storm water
systems can be subject to flooding from
short, heavy downpours as well as extended
periods of moderate rain (up to 100mm
in a 24 hour period). Flooded waterways,
from local creeks to larger systems like the
Water of Leith and Silver Stream, or rivers
such as the Taieri, Waitati and Waikouaiti
can rise quickly if their catchments receive
substantial rain. Any flooded waterway poses
the risks of flood waters entering the home
(possibly contaminated with sewage) and
isolating homes or whole communities. Swift
flowing flood waters are lethal, with several
drownings having occurred in Dunedin
from people being caught in swift water in
normally docile creeks.

Wind Storm
Gale force winds gusting up to 180
kilometres per hour - occur periodically
in Dunedin. Often these winds will cut off
power and communications, damage roofs
and topple trees, causing damage to houses
and blocking roads. Strong winds can result
in power lines touching and starting fires

which can quickly threaten homes and are

difficult for fire-fighters to extinguish in the
conditions.

Snow Storm
Most years Dunedin will experience snow
falls. These snow falls may be heavy, with
15cm or more at sea level and have the
potential to close roads, particularly the
state highways at their high points, strand
motorists, isolate communities and increase
the risk of traffic accidents. Heavy snowfalls
can cause loss of power and communications,
damage roofs, break trees, damage houses
or block roads. Emergency services have
difficulty responding to emergencies in areas
where roads are thick with snow.

Earthquake
Earthquakes occur without warning and
pose a significant risk to Dunedin. Dunedin
has a number of active faults that have
the potential to cause earthquakes severe
enough to damage and disrupt infrastructure
including buildings, roads and bridges as well
as services such as power, communications,
water and sewerage. In 1974 a relatively
small earthquake in Dunedin caused
damage to properties throughout the city.
An earthquake will severely limit emergency
services ability to respond to calls for
assistance.

Tsunami
Tsunamis are the result of underwater
earthquakes or landslides displacing large
volumes of water. A few low-lying coastal
communities, beaches and low shorelines
are at risk of flooding from a tsunami.
While there is a low risk of a damaging
tsunami from an earthquake close to our
Page 17

1. Members of our household are:

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6. We will get local information during a CD emergency from any of:

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(89.4FM)

Radio Dunedin

(1305AM)

Newstalk ZB

(1044AM)

The Breeze

(98.2FM)

Otago Access Radio

(105.4FM)

Channel 9 TV

Website - www.dunedin.govt.nz

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8. Other numbers we may need are
Insurances
Medical Centre
Dunedin City Council

Page 18

Electricity

477 4000

Landlord

Gas

Understanding the Risks

Known active faults
in Dunedin

coast, there is a possible threat from an

earthquake south of New Zealand in the
Puysegur trench or from an earthquake
on the west coast of South America. Maps
showing at risk areas of Dunedin coastline
are available to view or download at www.
civildefencedunedin.govt.nz.

Storm Surge
Storm surges are caused by a combination
of high tides, low atmospheric pressure and
strong winds and can result in waves similar
in extent to that of a tsunami.

Landslip
Many areas of Dunedin are susceptible to
landslip due to their hilly nature. Landslips
can move slowly over extended periods
of time or relatively rapidly as a result of
intense rain, earthquakes or other disruption
to ground stability. Early signs that your

home may be on an active landslip are

distortion within the house doors sticking,
gaps appearing in frames of windows or
doors or cracks in masonry and plaster. The
Abbotsford landslip resulted in the loss of 69
homes and trapped 17 people in the sudden
land movement despite their awareness of
the slip.

Other Hazards
Events such as major urban or rural fires,
explosions or leaking gas, major transportation
accidents, dam or building collapse and
sabotage may pose a risk to you and your
home or services you depend on. Hazards
such as a chemical spill or an epidemic may
threaten your physical wellbeing without
affecting buildings or services.
For more information on hazards in Dunedin
visit www.civildefence.govt.nz
Page 19

USEFUL EMERGENCY ITEMS

Torch with spare batteries or a self-charging torch

Radio with spare batteries
First aid kit
Essential medicines
Emergency toilet - toilet paper and large rubbish bags
Water carrying container(s)
A gas cooker or barbeque (keep gas bottle full)
Car charger for mobile phone

FOOD AND WATER

Use stored water and other drink sparingly

Use food in the order of fresh, fridge, freezer, canned or dried.
H OW T O S TO RE W AT E R

Wash bottles thoroughly in hot water. Fill each bottle with tap water until it
overflows.
Store in a cool dark place and replace the water every 12 months
S OU R CE S O F W AT E R

Treat before using - Add five drops of household bleach per litre of water
(or half a teaspoon for 10 litres)
Collect rain water
Rivers / streams / springs

PREPARING TO EVACUATE
P ACK:

Essential medicines & special dietary items

For infants formula, food, nappies
Clothes and toiletries
Blankets or sleeping bags
Pet supplies
Torch and radio with spare batteries
Hearing aids and spare batteries, glasses or mobility aids
Cash, credit cards, personal identification
Important papers (insurance, banking, wills, proof of address)
Mobile phones and chargers

I F W E H AV E T O EV ACU AT E W E W ILL:

Advise friends and family where we are going

Turn off electricity, water and gas
Put back page of phone book in street-facing window
Secure the house
Take our evacuation items and house-pets with us

Page 20

Junior Neighbourhood Support

Use this checklist to reduce the

potential impact of an
emergency on your household.


Outside your home

Inside your home

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Page 21

Page 22

Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora

Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora was
established in 1997 and is a nonprofit Limited Company, which
is administered by a Board of
Directors.
It is led by a management team and currently
employs approximately up to 22 staff at any
given time. It is the largest kaupapa Maori
community provider of integrated services
in the Otago region.
Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora is located in the
Otakou, Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki, Moeraki
and Hokonui takiwa and continues to support
them to build on their strengths and achieve
better outcomes for whanau. Our service area
covers Dunedin and outlying areas, from south
to north Otago and are available either at our
premises or in your home.
The overall aim of Arai Te Uru Whare
Hauora is whanau ora, whanau supported
to achieve self-determination of their own
health and well-being. To achieve our aim
Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora is in the process
of developing a strategic plan to ensure our
aim is continually worked against. The five
key outcomes we aim to achieve within our
ten year plan are:
1. Strong adaptable and relevant - Life
throws whanau many challenges, our
services need to be strong and adaptable
to whanau whilst maintaining the
relevance in navigating changes towards
whanau self-determination.
2. Collaborative relationships - We
cannot provide all the services our
whanau seek. It is vital that we support
whanau through services that are vital to
whanau self-determination. To ensure
our whanau navigate the many services
they may come into contact with it

is vital we build strong, honest and

collaborative relationships with other
service providers.
3. Preferred provider for empowering
Whanau - To be recognised by our
whanau and funders that our service is
the first choice for Hauora services in
our rohe.
4. Measures that make a difference Measures the track and show whanau
becoming self-determining of their own
health and wellbeing. Measuring the real
outcomes for our whanau and not just
the tick boxes of our funders.
5. Leading change through action - Taking
visible and positive action to maintain
and grow our services to the needs of
our whanau.
Services include:
Well Child/Tamariki Ora
Whanau Ora
Clinics
Family Centred Services Family Violence
Strenghthening Families Lead Agent
Incredible Years Parenting Programme
Kaiarahi Maori Cancer Service
Road Safety Balclutha
Whanau Ora Navigator
Parenting As First Teachers
Disease State Management
Healthy Lifestyles
Kaitoko Whanau
Page 23

Page 24

Dunedin Women's Refuge

While many families are living and
celebrating their lives together,
others are suffering due to domestic
violence.
Domestic violence often increases during
holiday periods when some families are
having to negotiate child access/contact, or
are experiencing financial stress.
If you are living in fear in your relationship
or in your family, or know someone who is,
there are so many ways we can help you
right now. We warmly welcome all women
of New Zealand and their children to our
free advice, emergency safe accommodation
and confidential advocacy services provided
by women.
So when youre ready, phone us any time of
the day or night, and we can show you how
to create a better, safer future.
Friends and whanau are so important in the
lives of women and children experiencing
domestic violence. They can play a vital role
in helping women leave an abusive situation
and turn their lives around for themselves
and the whole family.

Te Whare Pounamu Dunedin Womens

Refuge would like to take this opportunity
to thank everyone whom has supported us
throughout the year.
Nga Mihi nui , Nga Mihi Aroha.
24 CRISIS LINE (03) 477 1229
Office (03) 466 3220
F: (03) 455 0059
E: admin.twp@refuge.co.nz
P.O. Box 2267, Dunedin 9044

Page 25

Page 26

Keeping Safe from Gambling Harm

Harmful gambling can have a
significant impact on a persons life,
especially with their finances, their
job and their relationships with a
partner, family and friends.
Other people can be harmed by someone
elses gambling too. It can cause financial
difficulties for the whole family, an unhappy
home life, domestic violence, alienation from
family and friends, and crimes committed
against employers or other people.
A single persons harmful gambling can
affect five to ten people, and children are
vulnerable when its their parent or other
close relative.
Young children can miss out on basic
essentials if a parent has gambled away
household money.
Children are more likely to suffer physical
violence or abuse if they have parents
with problem gambling, especially when
combined with other problems such as
alcohol abuse.
Pokie machines are the most harmful form
of gambling. The majority of people who
seek help for their gambling problems do
so because of non-casino pokies (i.e. those
found in pubs).
At the Problem Gambling Foundation
(PGF), qualified counsellors provide free,
professional and confidential counselling for
gamblers and anyone affected by someone
elses gambling.

Mapu Maia provide counselling and support

for Pacific families that need help with
problem gambling.
PGF also has a dedicated public health team
working in the community to raise awareness
about problem gambling and minimise
gambling-related harm.
Counselling is a private, confidential process
and is free of charge to the gambler, their
family and others affected by problem
gambling.
An experienced, qualified professional
works with the client to help them find
ways of coping that are helpful and lasting.
Counsellors empower and encourage
clients by working on what they want to
work on, for as long as they need. A client is
welcome to take along a support person to
the counselling sessions.
Support groups are run by PGF which can
be helpful before, during or after one-toone counselling, providing a supportive
and confidential environment to reduce
loneliness and isolation, increase self-esteem
and confidence, actively manage relapse
prevention and help others in their journey
to recovery.
If you, or someone you know, has a problem
with gambling contact us:
Phone 0800 664 262
Email help@pgfnz.org.nz
or visit www.pgfnz.org.nz
Asian Family Hotline Phone 0800 862 342
Mapu Maia Phone 0800 664 262

Asian Family Services provide free and

confidential counselling, information and
education in Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin,
Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese.
Page 27

Page 28

Page 29

Page 30

The Greater Green Island Community Network

The Greater Green Island Community
Network was formed in January 2013
when a group of local community
members got together to discuss how
the Green Island community could
better support its people.
We wish to develop a more defined sense
of community and to foster community
kinship by improving connections between
residents, creating systems of support in the
community, and building the capacity of
the community to support its members to
achieve their potential. Lynda Davidson has
been employed as the Community Worker
for this community development project.
The Greater Green Island Community
Network has identified three themes of
work for action; the first is the environment.
We would like to improve the safety and
the physical appearance of Green Island
and local amenities; there is a real concern
about the speed and traffic flow of the main
street in Green Island. With all the exciting
developments happening in Green Island
now is the time to start thinking about how
you would like your community to look and
feel. We welcome ideas and feedback which
we will pass on to the Dunedin City Council.
Keep a look out for details of a community
meeting in the coming months.
The second theme is social inclusion. This
entails working with community leaders to
provide more low cost/no cost community
events and activities. These activities
include; organising a Neighbours Day event
on the 29th March, a skate board jam on the
18th April and another Great Green Island
Get Together on the 18th October. A Greater
Green Island dog walking group has been
started and this meets outside the Green

Island Police Station on Mondays at 1.30pm.

We are exploring ideas for other groups to
form around areas of interest; contact Lynda
on 470 0814 with any suggestions or to find
out more about any of these events.
The third theme identified is community
initiatives. This is undertaking projects the
community is passionate about and that
support economic, social, environmental
and political development within the area.
One project underway at the moment is
the development of a community garden.
For further information about how you can
become involved with the garden contact
Marion Claver on 021 263 1221.
Lynda Davidson is based in the Green Island
Police Station at 198 Main South Road
Dunedin. She looks forward to hearing
from members of the community either
by phone on 4700814 or email lyndad@
psotago.org.nz.

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.

com/GreaterGreenIsland

Page 31

Page 32

Dunedin Community Accounting

Are you the treasurer or budding

treasurer of a club, group or other
small voluntary organisation?
If so Dunedin Community Accounting can
provide free advice to help you find your
way.
The service was founded in 2009 and
happens through the voluntary support of
local Chartered Accountants and senior
accountancy students from the University of
Otago. It works by bringing together groups
of senior accountancy students to put on
weekly sessions which are supervised by the
Chartered Accountants. The service allows
the keen students to experience real world
situations and provides this support free for
community groups, its a win-win.
During the university term these sessions
happen each Monday at 5.15pm and
6.15pm and every second Wednesday at

9.15am and 10.15am. The sessions take

place on the ground floor of Dunedin
Community House on Moray Place in central
Dunedin. This year the team will run its
200th session to help a community group
with their accounts. Its a big milestone that
we think attests to the quality and necessity
of the service.
Theres more information at www.dca.org.nz
including free downloads of factsheets about
accounting for non-profits. Our booking
system is now completely online so all you
need to do is navigate to our website and
use the simple system on the home page.
Alternatively during normal work hours
you can call the Council of Social Services
Dunedin on 03 471 6177 and ask to speak
to Rob or Iain about DCA.
The sessions are brought to you by Council
of Social Services Dunedin, DCC, the DIA
and the University of Otago.

Page 33

Page 34

Multiple Sclerosis Otago

along nerve fibres and in insulating nerve
fibres from one another.
The term multiple sclerosis refers to multiple
areas of scarring (sclerosis) scattered
throughout the brain and spinal cord.
These scars are the result of healing patches
of inflammation that are the basic cause of
damage to nerve fibres and of the suddenly
appearing symptoms that are referred to as
an attack, exacerbation or relapse.
The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society (OMSS)
is a not-for-profit organisation, that aims to
empower people with Multiple Sclerosis
and their families by providing them with
professional support, education, information
and skills, to participate actively in the
community in ways that are meaningful to
them. Our Society is one of 18 regional
Societies throughout New Zealand. We
have been located in our premises at 8
Baker Street, Caversham since 1983. These
premises are user friendly with disabled
access and facilities.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the
central nervous system (CNS) which includes
the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
The CNS is responsible for our conscious
and unconscious functioning, including
movement and the response to sensations
such as sight, touch and hearing. It directs
these functions by sending its instructions
in the form of electrical impulses to the
appropriate sites along nerve fibres.
Nerve fibres are coated in a protective
insulating covering called the myelin
sheaththis serves a very similar function to
the coating around electrical wires. Myelin is
important in speeding electrical conduction

Patches of inflammation heal spontaneously

over several weeks or months when
symptoms may resolve completely or
residual impairment may result, if they
do not. The inflammation causes damage
particularly to the insulating myelin sheath
covering nerve fibres, but also damages the
nerve fibres (axons) themselves.
In Multiple Sclerosis, the typical damage is
often referred to as demyelination. The
nature of the symptoms and their severity
depends partly on the site of the patch of
inflammation (or lesion) and partly on its
nature and intensity.
The course of Multiple Sclerosis varies widely
from person to person. Some people will
only ever experience mild symptoms over
their lifetime while others will have relapses
followed by incomplete remission when
disability may worsen in a stepwise fashion
with each relapse experienced.
A number of people experience slowly
progressive, worsening of disability over
many months or years. There is uncertainty
how much of this progressive process is due
to low-grade inflammation and how much
to loss of previously damaged nerve fibres.
The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society can
provide assistance to people with Multiple
Page 35

Page 36

Multiple Sclerosis Otago

Sclerosis which includes:
Discussing a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
and what this means for you, your family
and for the future
Up-to-date information about MS and
management of the condition
Advocacy

Meet the team!!

Ta n i a M c G r e g o r Manager
To contact me please use
one of the following:
Ph (03) 4555 894 ext 2

Counselling and support

tania@msotago.org.nz

Referral to other agencies and health

professionals

Jo Smith - Field Officer

Supporting partners, carers, families,

friends, employers and work colleagues

To contact me please use

one of the following:

Facilitating support groups and networks

where appropriate

Ph (03) 4555 894 ext 4

Conducting assessment of needs, ie:

acceptance criteria for the Total Mobility
Scheme
Liaising with other service providers, such
as WINZ and home care agencies

jo@msotago.org.nz
Pam Macdonald - Health
Support Officer

The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society works

at empowering the people of Otago and their
support networks to actively participate in
their community.

Page 37

Page 38

Consumer NZ Targets Door-to-Door Traders

Consumer NZ has launched a
nationwide campaign to help
consumers fight back against dodgy
door-to-door dealers.
As part of the campaign, Consumer is
distributing free Do Not Knock stickers.

LESPEOPLE
A
S

The stickers can be put on your letterbox,

front door or anywhere prominent to tell
door-to-door sellers theyre not welcome.

Many cases involve elderly and vulnerable

consumers, pressured to sign up for products
they dont want and cant afford.
Campaign coordinator Aneleise Gawn says
Consumer has dealt with cases involving
$3000 vacuum cleaners that clean no better
than vacuums you can buy for $100.
Its also heard complaints from consumers
enticed to buy overpriced beds and other
household goods they cant afford and have
to go into debt to purchase.
The sales pitch used by the sellers of these
products can go on for hours. Some people
have felt the only way to get rid of the
salesperson is to buy the product.
Aneleise says its also had complaints about
traders who knock on the door offering to
prune trees or paint the roof. They take
money for the job but the promised work
either never gets done or is done so badly
you have to pay someone else to fix it.

ER

NO

Consumer has launched the campaign

because of the serious complaints it gets
about the hard-sell and exploitative sales
tactics used by door to door sellers.

Hard-sell tactics

E LC O M E H

Traders not welcome

A recent Consumer survey found 70
percent of its members dislike door-to-door
salespeople and want them to stop calling.
Over two-thirds dubbed these traders
annoying and intrusive.
Hundreds of survey respondents also
commented about pushy door-to-door
sellers who wouldnt take no for an answer.
Several members said they had to threaten to
call the police to get the salesperson to leave.
Since the campaign was launched, Consumer
has distributed over 100,000 Do Not
Knock stickers. Aneleise says more stickers
have now been printed to keep up with
demand.
Page 39

Page 40

Consumer NZ Targets Door-to-Door Traders

Your rights
Everybody has an implied licence to enter
your property and knock on your door.
But you have the right to take away this
licence. You can revoke a salespersons
licence to enter your property by displaying
a Do Not Knock sticker. If a door-to-door
seller ignores the sticker, theyre likely to be
trespassing.

Join the campaign

Let Consumer know about problems

you have with door-to-door sellers and
sellers who ignore your Do Not Knock
sticker by emailing them at donotknock@
consumer.org.nz.
Tell your family and friends where they
can get a Do Not Knock sticker.
Follow our campaign online and find out
more about ways to show your support at
www.consumer.org.nz/donotknock.

You can support Consumers campaign

against door-to-door sellers:
Get a sticker from your local Citizens
Advice Bureau or send a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Consumer at: Do
Not Knock, Consumer NZ, Private Bag
6996, Wellington 6141 and theyll put a
sticker in the post to you.
Display the Do Not Knock sticker on
your letterbox, front door or any place
where its visible to people entering the
property.

Page 41

Who is Age Concern Otago

Founded in 1948, Age Concern

Otago is a local independent charity
which is part of a national network of
regional Age Concern councils.
Our aim is to promote wellbeing, rights,
respect and dignity for Otagos older people
Positive ageing if you like. Positive ageing
is not about how to live longer or how to
avoid growing old. It is about celebrating
older age and making the rest of your life
the best of your life.
Key factors for positive ageing include:
Having The attitude
Being adaptable
Autonomy and the freedom to choose
Being involved
Staying active
We are active and vocal on issues affecting
older people, taking every opportunity to
work towards our vision of an inclusive
society where older people live valued lives.
The services, information and support we
provide to older people respond to identified
local needs.

Some of the things we do include:

Accredited Visitor Service. Helping reduce
social isolation by matching an older person
with a trained volunteer visitor. This service is
mutually beneficial, providing both the client
Page 42

and the visitor with a rewarding experience.

Last year 7420 volunteer visits and telephone
calls were made to socially isolated older
people throughout Otago.
Advocacy on Issues. We are a leading
advocate for older people on ageing issues.
We raise awareness and working cooperatively with other organisations at local,
regional and national levels, and with people
of all ages.
Centre for Seniors. Positive ageing in action,
offering affordable social and leisure activities
and a home for The Octagon Club and other
community groups and clubs. This is located
in our building at 9 the Octagon.
Community in Action. Our monthly
magazine provides relevant information on
topics and events. 3,000 copies are distributed
to members, clubs and organisations in
Otago and nationally. To cater for our online
followers we also have a website, and are
accessible through Facebook and Twitter.
Coordination of Meals on Wheels delivery.
A daily hot meal delivered to nearly 47,000
people annually using a network of more
than 400 volunteer drivers. For some older
people a friendly face delivering their midday
meal will mean both the only prepared meal
they have, and their only human contact for
the day. In addition our volunteers provide
an informal safety net as any non contact
is reported and followed up.

Who is Age Concern Otago

Education. A trained facilitator delivering
important information to seniors, and others
involved with seniors about a range of issues
including elder abuse and neglect, Wills,
banking, health and wellbeing, and the care
of older people.
Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention. Age
Concern Otago believes that elder abuse and
neglect is preventable and that something
can be done about it. Up to 200 cases of
abuse or neglect are referred to us each
year, and many more older people with less
complex needs are supported and given
advice. Our social work and education
services are free and confidential.
Information & resources. We have a wide
range of information and resources available
each weekday from our Dunedin and
Alexandra offices. If we dont have it, well
find out for you.
Octagon Club. A centre for seniors offering
a warm atmosphere and friendship, daily
activities, monthly bus trips, concerts, Tai
Chi, line dancing and gym classes, bowls
and much more. Hot meals are available
two days each week. Membership is about
200 and costs $20 per year.
Services for Central Otago. Age Concern
Otago has a coordinator working to provide
services for older people in Central Otago.
The office is located at Community House
in Alexandra.
Total Mobility Scheme. Age Concern Otago
is one of several agencies who administer
this scheme on behalf of the Otago Regional
Council. People who, through various
reasons are unable to access public transport,
and who no longer drive, may qualify for
subsidised taxi journeys. This offers them

an alternative means of transport and better

independence.
Health Promotion. Delivery of projects
and programmes which assist older people
to increase control over factors which affect
their wellbeing. These are just a few of the
programmes we offer for free:
Senior Chef cooking classes, 2 hours, one
day a week for 8 weeks promoting simple
nutrition, cooking and budgeting skills
as well as providing a social get together
for small groups of people with common
interests.
Staying Safe driving workshops an
average of 12, 4 hour workshops
encouraging safe practice for mature
road users run per year at various venues
throughout Otago.
Falls Prevention / Strength and Balance
classes. There are now over 1,100 Otago
older people coming to one of our 75
self-sustaining classes operating in most
suburbs.
English for Elders. Older immigrants are
at particular risk of becoming socially
isolated and our classes practice basic
conversations, improve confidence in
using English, and help to combat social
isolation.
Contact us for any of your questions and
queries: Ph: 03 477 1040
26 Bath Street
9 The Octagon
PO Box 5355, DUNEDIN
Email: agecon@ageconcernotago.co.nz
Web: www.ageconcernotago.com

Page 43

Page 44

Desexing and Microchipping your Pets

case, so please contact the veterinary clinic
of your choice to discuss desexing as soon
as you are able.

Microchipping
Desexing
Desexing your pet is a veterinary surgical
procedure that requires minimal hospitalization
and offers lifelong health benefits to animals. It
is also vitally important in reducing the number
of unwanted animals in our city.
At SPCA Otago large numbers of unwanted
kittens and puppies are brought into us
every year. Desexing stops unwanted pet
pregnancies and births, as well as offering
social and health benefits as well.
The benefits of desexing your cat or kitten
include the potential for living longer
and healthier lives, less likelihood of cat
spraying, dog aggression and other anti-social
behaviour, reduced wandering and fighting,
and elimination of litters of unwanted babies.
Health benefits include the reduction disease
risk such as uterine, ovarian and breast
cancer in female pets, and prostate and
testicular cancer in males.
SPCA Otago is committed to the issue of
population control and the reduction of
unwanted litters, so we desex all the cats,
kittens, dogs, and puppies that come through
our Animal Centre before they are made
available for adoption.
If you adopt from SPCA Otago your pet will
already be neutered, however if you adopt
through other organizations, pet stores or
by private arrangement, this may not be the

Hundreds of pets go missing every year and

although some return home, many remain
separated from their owners and are never
successfully reunited. It is vitally important
to microchip pets to help safeguard against
losing your beloved companion forever.
A microchip is approximately the size
of a grain of rice, it is injected under the
skin and will last the lifetime of your pet.
Microchipping does not hurt or harm your
pets health in any way. Each chip has a
unique number which is able to be registered
on a national database with the owners details.
Unfortunately animal microchips do not
include GPS tracking systems, instead they
must be physically scanned with a microchip
scanner in order to be identified.
However, if your animal is lost and taken
into a vet clinic or SPCA, the chip will be
scanned and you can be reunited with your
pet within just minutes or hours of it being
found. Microchipping can also be used as
legal identification if an animals ownership
is in dispute, or if an animal is stolen.
When microchipping your pet, check with
your Vet that they will register the chip details
on the NZ Companion Animal Register, in
addition to their own database.
Once your pet is registered with the NZ
Companion Animal Register, please make
sure to update your contact details if you
move address - there is no charge to do this
- simply visit www.animalregister.co.nz and
update your information online.
Page 45

CanTeen

CanTeen supports young people

when cancer turns their world upside
down and helps them cope with the
physical, emotional and practical
impact of living with cancer.
We're here for 13-24 year olds at every stage
of their cancer journey, whether they're
dealing with:
having cancer themselves
a brother or sister being diagnosed with
cancer
the death of a brother or sister
We provide funding for counselling and individual
assistance as well as peer support programmes,
leadership training and services to help our young
people thrive in life after cancer.
CanTeen is also there to advocate for our
young people, helping ensure their voice is
Page 46

heard and empowering them to speak up

for themselves.
CanTeen believes that the best people to
support young people living with cancer
are those who have been there, done that.
We provide a relaxed, friendly, and fun
environment where thoughts and feelings
can be shared with other young people
whose lives have been affected by cancer.
With 14 regional branches across New
Zealand, CanTeen ensures there is support
nearby for all young Kiwis living with cancer
because we believe no young person should
go through cancer alone.
Here is what some of our members say about
CanTeen:
CanTeen has helped me in so many different
ways. CanTeen has developed my confidence,
self-awareness and leadership.

CanTeen

It has helped me deal with grief and

undesirable circumstances to result in a
positive outcome.
I am so much more confident. I feel like Im
not alone. I have friends. I have life skills. I
have a greater respect for people who seem
different.
CanTeen has given me the opportunity to
meet friends that understand and support
me through the toughest times. It provides
me with a second family and I dont know
where I would be without it!

a volunteer, please visit canteen.org.nz.

You can also follow us on Facebook for
regular updates.

With no government funding, CanTeen relies

on the generosity of the New Zealand public
and local businesses to continue supporting
over 1500 young people on their cancer
journey.
If you want to learn more about our services,
ways you can donate or youd like to become
Page 47

Unwell? Get the right advice when you need it

If youre feeling unwell its important
to get the right care in the right place
at the right time.
There are a few options:
1. Call Healthline free on 0800 611 116
Healthline is a free, 24 hour a day telephone
advice service.
Healthline registered nurses assess your
condition and health needs and recommend
the best course of action and a timeframe in
which to take action. They can also provide
general health information.

2. Call your Family Doctor or Urgent

Doctors
If youre feeling unwell please ring your
family doctor (General Practice) or urgent
doctors to make an appointment. It is
important to see your GP early, rather than
waiting for things to get worse.
3. If its urgent go to the Emergency
Department.
In the emergency department you will be
seen on a priority system. This system is
not first-in first-serve. Instead, you will be
screened to find out what is wrong with you
and how serious it is. You will be seen in
order of urgency, not your arrival time, so
those with more severe symptoms or injuries
are treated before those with less serious
conditions.
After the initial assessment and treatment,
you may be admitted to the hospital,
transferred to another hospital or discharged.
Remember, in an emergency dial 111 and
ask for an ambulance.

Page 48

Bellyful Dunedin

Bellyful helps mums around New

Zealand when they need it most at
dinner-time!
Bellyful volunteers deliver free cooked meals
to families with new babies and young
families struggling with illness particularly
those lacking a good support network.
Having a few meals delivered by a friendly
face can be a real sanity-saver.
We are not a food-bank our service is
appreciated by working parents as much as
those at home. And there is no catch our
service is free and regardless of your household
income, if you think we can help you (or
someone you know), we probably can.
Anyone can make a referral to Bellyful, as
long as they have asked the permission of
the person they are referring and yes you
can refer your own family.
We have 2 criteria. The first is that the families
we support dont have others available to do
what we do cook and deliver free meals.
The second is that the family must fall into
one of 2 categories have a new baby or have

a young family
and someone in
that family unit
has a serious
or terminal
illness. There
is no financial
assessment.
Each of the 16 NZ wide Bellyful branches
makes the same meals lasagne, bolognese
sauce and macaroni cheese. The meals
are cooked by volunteers at a cookathon,
frozen and then delivered by volunteers
when a referral is received.
For more information about Bellyful, to make
a donation, to volunteer or to make a referral
please contact Bellyful Dunedin:
Freephone: 0508 Bellyful
www.bellyful.org.nz
wendy.thompson@bellyful.org.nz
Facebook: Bellyful Dunedin

Page 49

Our Community, Our Choice,

Stand Up to Family Violence.
I want my

family to be
violence free

I want to

help another family

to be violence free

I want to

help my community
to be violence free

Join us on our journey to free our community from family violence.

Find out how to access services to help address family violence in your life,
DQGKRZ\RXFDQKHOSSUHYHQWIDPLO\YLROHQFHLQRXUFRPPXQLW\b
The Families Free from Violence strategy is part of the
Dunedin Collaboration Against Family Violence, which is a group of agencies and
services in Dunedin working to help people in our community be free from violence.

0800 474 1121

Page 50

Dunedin Collaboration Against Family Violence

Family violence exists in our
community because we let it exist.
Many people will continue to suffer, and
intergenerational cycles of violence will
continue until we take community and
individual responsibility to making a change.
You can help people and families to be free
from violence, or help us raise awareness
about how family violence and what we can
do about it. We also have resources that you
can use for your own events, and promote
family violence awareness:

Bouncy castle
Free-standing marquee
Barbeques
Face-paint gear

The Dunedin Collaboration Against Family

Violence (DCAFV) is a group of agencies
that are working together to address family
violence in Dunedin. We are active in the
community to raise public awareness of
family violence and the services that are
available to help people address violence
within their own families.
We manage the Families Free From Violence
campaign and website to encourage people
to take personal responsibility for ending
family violence in our community. More
information can be found on our website:
familiesfreefromviolence.org.nz
0800 474 1121

What is family violence?

Everyone in a family should feel safe
and nurtured. Any behaviour that makes
someone else feel controlled and fearful is
never OK.

A healthy relationship is based on trust

& support. But in some relationships one
person uses power and fear to control the
other. These relationships are emotionally
abusive and can become extremely unsafe.
Violence is used to:
Stop someone doing something,
Make someone do something, or
Punish someone for doing something.
Violence is not just about hitting or punching.
Its about power and control and includes:
Physical violence
Psychological violence
Sexual abuse
Physical abuse
Financial abuse
Neglect
Cyber bulling and abuse

How can you help free our

community from family violence?
1. Get help to address violence in your
family
Family violence is very common in our
community, and it is estimated that about
1 in 4 people are directly affected by family
violence. Fortunately, there are many great
programmes and services to help people
understand their behaviour, and learn new
skills to build positive healthy relationships.
No-one should be frightened or scared by a
member of their family. No matter what your
age or sex, it's never OK for your partner or
any member of your family to use violence
to hurt or control you.
Page 51

Dunedin Collaboration Against Family Violence

Violence exists in silence, and people
who are in violent relationships are often
reluctant to speak out or ask for help.
Adults affected by family violence feel a lot
of shame whether they are being violent
or being hurt. If you are experiencing
violence, tell someone. It could be a friend,
family member, workmate, teacher or carer,
employer or health professional, or family
violence prevention service.
Change is possible, it takes courage, effort
and determination. People who have
stopped using violence say the hardest part
is admitting they needed help to change their
behaviour. Changing your behaviour takes
courage but brings lifelong rewards.

Are you ok?

Im worried about how your partner
checks up on you all the time.
Its not OK to talk to your partner or
kids like that.
If you ever need to talk about
anything, Im here for you.

It takes a lot of courage for someone who

is in a violent relationship to talk about
it. Take them seriously, tell them its not
their fault, and help is available. Offer
to go with them to get help.

If someone you know is abusive, or talks

about wanting to hurt or control their
partner or children, it is important to
challenge the behaviour not the person.
Tell them it is OK to ask for help. Many
people who have been violent can and
do change with the support of others.

Get to know your neighbours and

colleagues. Perhaps invite them over
for a cup of tea, or go for a walk. Many
people suffering from family violence
feel lonely and dont know who to talk
to.

2. Help another family to be violence free

Family and relationship violence is too
common in Aotearoa, and we all have a
responsibility to do something about it.
Through the support of friends, neighbours
and colleagues, people and families can
make changes and end the cycle of violence.
You have a huge role to play in helping their
family be free from violence.
The sooner you reach out to someone who
is being violent the sooner they can get help
to change, and the sooner you reach out
to someone living with family violence the
sooner they can get help.
Here are some things you can do to break
the cycle of family violence:

If you think someone is in danger, you

need to call the Police on 111. It is much
better to have called the police and be
wrong, than do nothing and someone
is hurt or killed.
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If you are worried about the relationship

of a friend, colleague or neighbour
dont ignore it, listen to your intuition.
If you feel that things are not right, here
are some things you could say:

3. Help our community be violence free

Family violence will continue in our
community until we all make a commitment
to do something about it. There are so many
ways you can be involved:

Do your part to raise awareness about

Dunedin Collaboration Against Family Violence

family violence and help other families

to be violence free

Support our existing projects and events

by donating money, goods or services

Develop your own project or campaign

for your neighbourhood, sports group,
community group or business. We
would love to hear your idea and may
be able to help you with resources and
access funding.

If your workplace, organisation or

community want to do something to
address family violence then we can
come and talk to you, show you some
of the projects that have been done and
help get your idea off the ground.
Our community, our families, our choice.

Join us on our journey to free our

community from family violence
familiesfreefromviolence.org.nz
0800 474 1121
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