Back to Blog

Meet the Safer Cambridge Trust Part 3

This week, we're proud to welcome three outstanding individuals whose dedication and depth of expertise will help strengthen our mission to build a safer, more connected Cambridge.LYNLEY ALLISONWith over 30 years of teaching experience across Auckland’s North Shore, the Kāpiti Coast, and now Cambridge, Lynley brings a deep understanding of tamariki and their diverse learning needs. Passionate about sport, gardening, and actively involved in the local community through volunteering at the Velo...

Cambridge Community Patrol Hosts Insightful Training Night with Search & Rescue Experts

In July 2025, the dedicated volunteers of the Cambridge Community Patrol gathered for a special training evening that highlighted the depth of their commitment to keeping our town safe. Known for being one of the few patrols in New Zealand that operates seven nights a week into the early hours, the team attends training to ensure that they continue to maintain a high standard in their work.The evening featured a presentation by Waikato Search & Rescue, who shared their expertise in Urban Sea...

Clearing the Way: Ensuring Fire Service Access

At a recent meeting with our local Fire Chief, an important issue was highlighted - access for emergency services.  When every second counts, clear access for emergency services can mean the difference between safety and disaster. For the Fire Service, this means having unobstructed driveways and accessways that meet a minimum clearance of 4 metres wide by 4 metres high - a standard that is often overlooked, particularly in rural areas.Why 4x4 Metres?Fire trucks are large, heavy vehicles eq...

Why Reporting Crime - Even Small Details - Matters More Than You Think

When it comes to community safety, every piece of information counts. Whether you witness a serious incident or just notice something that seems a little off, contacting the Police can make a real difference. Even if you think what you saw isn’t important, it might be the missing piece in a larger puzzle.A Real-Life Example: Trusting Your InstinctsRecently, a community member noticed a man entering her neighbour’s property. The house was unoccupied at the time because the neighbour was in th...

Stronger When Working Together: CNS at Police Training Day

At the recent Cambridge Police Training Day, we were pleased to present the work of Safer Cambridge Trust (Neighbourhood Support & Community Patrol), highlighting the vital role we play in fostering safer, more connected, and resilient communities. Our session aimed to ensure that both new and experienced officers understand the breadth and depth of our work, and the powerful impact of our partnerships with Police and other emergency services.The Safer Cambridge Trust has been a cornerstone ...

Meet More of the Safer Cambridge Trust Team (Pt 2)

The Safer Cambridge Trust continues to play a vital role in fostering a safe, connected and engaged community. With the support and collective expertise of our members, we proudly run both Neighbourhood Support and the Community Patrol - two initiatives that are thriving and helping to keep Cambridge safe and supported.Our Trust meets monthly, where members bring their wealth of knowledge and shared commitment to shaping a safer future. Beyond direct safety work, we also serve as passionate advo...

The Power of Connection to Prevent Crime in Our Neighbourhoods

Crime prevention is a priority for every community, but the most effective deterrent isn’t always high-tech security systems or police presence. Often, the most powerful tool against crime is the sense of connection among neighbours. When residents are united, vigilant, and supportive of one another, they create an environment where crime struggles to take root.How Connection Deters CrimeA neighbourhood where residents know and interact with each other regularly is less attractive to criminals...

Spike in Car Theft!

Recently our local Police asked CNS to send messages to a couple of neighbourhoods that are experiencing a spike in car tampering and theft.  Police and our Community Patrol are working hard to combat this at present. This is an excerpt from the message:   Cambridge is currently experiencing an increase in attempted and actual theft of motor vehicles.If you have CCTV cameras, please review the footage regularly and report suspicious activity, especially persons moving around ...

Quick Crossword

Give It a Go—Just for Fun! Think you know your way around this edition? Test yourself with our Safer Cambridge Crossword Puzzle! It's just a bit of fun—and don’t worry, every answer is tucked somewhere in this very newsletter.Grab a pen, have a cuppa, and see how many you can get! ...

Cambridge Neighbourhood Celebrates Road Safety Week!

Thanks to everyone who joined in and helped make the week such a success.Stay safe out there, Cambridge! 🚦✨ Cambridge Neighbourhood was thrilled to get the community involved in this year’s Road Safety Week.It was a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of staying safe on our roads, whether you're walking, cycling, or behind the wheel.We had a great time spreading key messages about road safety and running some fun competitions to test everyone's knowledge. It was a...

Meet the Faces Behind “The Safer Cambridge Trust”

At the heart of Cambridge’s efforts to build a safer, more connected community is a team of passionate and experienced individuals who make up The Safer Cambridge Trust. Each one volunteers their time—bringing not only professional expertise, but also a deep personal commitment to the wellbeing of those who call Cambridge home. With backgrounds spanning education, health, finance, business leadership and more they share a united mission: to create a safer, more resilient community for all.Th...

A Jovial Neighbourhood Meeting at the Local Brasserie

On Sunday evening, our cosy local brasserie was filled with the warm hum of conversation and laughter as neighbours gathered for a jovial meeting. The atmosphere was lively, with friends and acquaintances catching up over a beer or coffee, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.The event was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better. The room buzzed with excitement as people exchanged anecdotes and experiences, creating a strong sense of community and camar...

Residents Hear About CNS Campaigns

On a warm afternoon Addison and Shaw Street neighbours came together to strengthen community ties, meet new faces, and engage in meaningful conversations.Kathy from Cambridge Neighbourhood Support attended the event and shared an update of current campaigns.Capable Communities: Empowering residents with knowledge, resources, and support to create a safe and connected neighbourhood that is well prepared for emergencies.Connection Campaign: Encouraging individuals to build relationships with their...

Finlay Adventure Park Community Day

On a bright and sunny April day, our local Finlay Adventure Park, nestled beside the picturesque Waikato River, opened its gates for a special Community Day event. This event, held during the school holidays, was a delightful opportunity for children to explore and enjoy the various activities the park has to offer.The park buzzed with excitement as children tried their hands at shooting and archery.  The thrill of hitting targets and mastering new skills brought smiles and laughter all aro...

Cycling Etiquette on Shared Paths: A Guide for Responsible Riders

As an occasional cyclist I’m happy that we have so many wonderful shared and cycling paths in and around Cambridge.  When I used to cycle more regularly, I often had to take more risks than I was comfortable with.  Cycling on shared paths offers a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors while commuting or exercising, but it also requires mindfulness and respect for other users. Pedestrians, joggers, wheelchair users, and fellow cyclists all share these spaces, so practicing good etiquett...

Cambridge Community Stands Strong in Times of Crisis

In moments of uncertainty, one thing remains constant - the unwavering spirit of our community. The people of Cambridge have once again demonstrated their readiness to step up, proving that in times of crisis, we are never alone. Recently, a woman collapsed in Victoria Square, prompting swift action from those who dedicate themselves to the safety and wellbeing of others. Our incredible Community Patrol was first to respond, providing crucial first aid with confidence and professionalism. T...

Donate & get a third back at tax time!

📢 Support the Safer Cambridge Trust (Cambridge Neighbourhood Support & Community Patrol) before the end of this financial year! 💛 Just a few days left for you to donate and receive a third back after 31 March!In 2024 we:·       Patrolled 288 nights in the year!·       Published regular crime reports and alerted affected neighbourhoods (see our FB page!)·       Connected neighbourhoods in C...

Scott Street Neighbours Gather at Local Motorcamp

On a sunny afternoon, Scott Street neighbours gathered for a street meeting at the picturesque Top10 Motorcamp. We were grateful to be hosted at this lovely venue, which many residents had never explored despite living in the area for decades.The event was a delightful mix of socializing and safety discussions. Neighbours arrived with their children, who enjoyed the playground while the adults mingled.  A highlight was the attendance of an ex-Police Officer, who provided valuable insights d...

Honiss & Naomi Places: Building a Stronger, Safer Community

On a warm Friday evening late February 25, our neighbourhood held its second meeting since the initial gathering in October 2024. The first meeting saw a large turnout of neighbours coming together to discuss safety concerns following a series of burglaries in the area. This recent meeting, though smaller and more casual, was equally significant in fostering community spirit.Despite the smaller crowd, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Neighbours were delighted to reconnect and continue buil...

Assess the Flammability of Your Home and Property: A Call to Action for Rural Residents

As we are in peak fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging rural residents to take proactive steps in assessing the flammability of their homes and properties. With the increasing risk of wildfires, it is crucial to ensure that your property is as fire-resistant as possible.Why Assess Flammability?Living in rural areas often means being surrounded by vegetation, which can be both a beautiful and a hazardous feature of your property. Flammable plants and materials can significan...

Cambridge Community Patrol's Remarkable Efforts in 2024

In 2024, our Community Patrol demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness, handling a total of 302 incidents involving vehicles, property, people, disorder, and special services, primarily in support of emergency services. Their commitment to safety and community well-being was evident in the 17,600 kilometres they covered in their ute and the 2,050 patrol hours they logged throughout the year.A Year of Impactful ServiceThe Community Patrol's efforts were not just about numbers; they w...

Fire Safety isn't just for Fire Fighters

...

Groundbreaking programme for women living with violence

In an important step towards helping women to reclaim their strength, resilience and empowerment, a pioneering support programme has been developed and will be piloted in our Cambridge community.  This programme was launched on 29 November, with great support from the local community. The launch event, held in Cambridge, saw an impressive turnout of dignitaries including the Hon. Karen Chhour, Minister for Children, Hon Louise Upston, our local MP, and the Deputy Mayor, underscoring the imp...

What Your Donation Can Buy

We are reaching out to you, our valued community members, to ask for your support. Your generous donations, no matter how small, play a crucial role in sustaining our efforts. Every contribution, whether it's the cost of a cup of coffee or larger, helps us to do the work that makes living in Cambridge friendlier, safer and more resilient to natural disaster events. ...

Under the Blossoms in Leamington

Did you know that recent research underscores the profound impact of social connection on our health. Studies reveal that strong social ties can lead to a 50% increased chance of longevity, bolster the immune system, and even help individuals recover from diseases more swiftly1. Conversely, a lack of social connection is linked to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and even early mortality2. The evidence is clear: fostering meaningful relationships is as crucial to our well-being as maintainin...