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Cambridge Community Patrol – Thinking of being a Volunteer?

Have you ever wondered what’s involved in being part of the Cambridge Community Patrol, or what kind of person makes a good fit?First and foremost, we’re not imbued with any special powers. We act as extra eyes and ears for our local Police, helping to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, and assisting in the search for missing persons. It’s a vital role that contributes to the safety and wellbeing of our community. Our patrols are conducted at night, with teams rostered on most day...

Neighbourhood Support Cambridge Joins the Great Teddy Rescue!

On a blustery Cambridge evening the community came together for a heartwarming event - Cambridge’s Great Teddy Rescue, hosted by St John and Cambridge Primary School.  This was the first event of its kind, and it was a resounding success!Over 121 children took part in a unique and educational experience, learning how to perform CPR on their teddy bears. With nearly 200 attendees, the event was filled with energy, laughter, and life-saving lessons.Cambridge Neighbourhood Support worked alo...

A New Safety Network

In a show of collaboration and community spirit, street coordinators from a cluster of nearby streets in the Terry Came area recently came together for a special gathering aimed at strengthening local safety and connection.The event provided a valuable opportunity for coordinators - many of whom had never met in person - to get to know one another, share experiences, and exchange practical ideas for reducing crime in their neighbourhoods. From discussing successful deterrents to identifying comm...

Cherry Blossom Catch-up Brings Residents Together

Each year, as the cherry blossoms burst into bloom, something magical happens on the corner of Addison and Shaw Streets. Residents gather for their annual tradition, the Cherry Blossom Catch-Up - a celebration of community, connection, and the simple joy of being together.This year’s event was no exception. Beneath a canopy of pink petals, neighbours of all ages came together to share delicious homemade dishes, enjoy lively entertainment, and bask in the beauty of their tree-lined streets. Fro...

Supporting Our Seniors

Cambridge Neighbourhood Support has recently taken proactive steps to support some of our most valued community members, residents of retirement villages and rest homes, by helping refresh and strengthen their emergency planning.A recent visit to a prominent retirement village sparked a meaningful discussion around updating emergency procedures and ensuring residents and staff are well-prepared for unexpected events. The session was constructive and sparked many ideas to be further consider...

Cyclone Gabrielle: A Tragic Reminder of How Fast Disaster Can Strike

The stories of the 11 lives lost during Cyclone Gabrielle are heartbreaking and deeply sobering. You may not be able to get to the end of these accounts (see links below); they are that sad!  But one theme runs through them all: how quickly everything happened. In many cases, people had very little time to escape, and some didn’t get the chance at all.Among the victims were volunteer firefighters, who were caught in a landslide while responding to flooding in Muriwai [1]. A toddler, was s...

Waipa’s Lower Crime Rate: Is Community Collaboration the Key?

Waipa District continues to stand out for its notably low crime rate compared to other districts and the national average. [1] According to the latest data from Infometrics, Waipa recorded 142 criminal proceedings per 10,000 people in the year to June 2025. This is significantly lower than:Taupo District: 449 per 10,000Hauraki District: 253 per 10,000Wairarapa District: 231 per 10,000New Zealand overall: 225 per 10,000 [1]This trend raises an important question: What is Waipa doing differently?T...

Make your voice heard - make a submission!

Have you ever been annoyed at a government decision – most of us have!As community members, we have a say on many government decisions through the submission process.  But many of us feel like we are too busy, we can’t easily access a place to make a submission, or we don’t know what to write. A submission doesn’t need to be long; it really just needs to record your thoughts on the subject and why.  Evidence to back up your point of view is always helpful.  The most i...

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...